Knicks Rumors: Latest Updates on Coaching Search
Luke Walton Was Interviewed
Perhaps the biggest development in the New York Knicks’ coaching search was the news that Phil Jackson had interviewed Luke Walton. Walton rose to prominence in 2015-16 by leading the Golden State Warriors to a record of 39-4 as interim head coach.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Jackson has spoken with Walton about his potentially becoming the next head coach of the Knicks.
"According to a source, Knicks president Phil Jackson already has spoken with Walton, though it’s unclear if it was just a phone interview. The Post reported in Saturday’s editions the Warriors would give Walton permission to talk to other teams as long as it doesn’t interfere with the playoff push."
Unfortunately for those who hope to see Walton leading the Knicks in 2016-17, Frank Isola of The New York Daily News offered a disheartening report:
Luke Walton, according to NBA source, told P Jackson that as of right now he's not interested in NYK job. Unclear if/when they'll talk again
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) April 18, 2016
Here’s the important takeaway: Walton hasn’t ruled the possibility of coaching the Knicks out entirely.
Marc Berman of The New York Post reported as much. He acknowledged that Walton has not shown an immediate interest in accepting the job, but made the key point that the 36-year-old has not officially turned the offer down.
Walton simply won’t give an answer until after the Warriors’ run through the postseason has concluded.
If Golden State makes the NBA Finals, as most expect it to, then Jackson won’t have an answer from Walton until June. The Finals won’t begin until June 2, per NBA.com, which raises a critical question.
Can Jackson afford to wait until June to find out if Walton will take the job? Or must he hire someone else in the month-and-a-half that precedes what could be the conclusion of Walton’s season with the Warriors?
It certainly seems as though The Zen Master has options.