Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks Rumors: 5 Reasons Kevin Durant Could Choose New York

By Maxwell Ogden

May 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates after a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in game one of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Golden State Warriors 108-102. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates after a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in game one of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Golden State Warriors 108-102. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on with former New York Knick Bill Bradley, left, during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on with former New York Knick Bill Bradley, left, during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Zen Master

No matter how many pessimistic writers and fans attempt to deny this, it will remain true. The most decorated coach in NBA history, who also won rings as a player, will appeal to the preliminary interests of every single available free agent.

Whether you love him or hate him, feel strongly or indifferent, the presence of Phil Jackson is the ultimate selling point.

Jackson won 11 championships between his tenures as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. He was on the 1970 Knicks’ championship roster, and was a key role player for the 1973 New York Knicks—also known as the last team in franchise history to win a title.

13 rings and an incomparable influence on the careers of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Scottie Pippen imply that Jackson will have the attention of any free agent he speaks to.

The good news for the Knicks is that Kevin Durant is something of a historian of the game. He appreciates what it took for the all-time greats to get to where they managed to, and wants the same for himself.

Thus, if the Knicks have any chance of signing Durant, Jackson must make his presence known in a powerful way.

must read: Explaining the fundamentals of Jeff Hornacek's offense

Between these five factors, the optimistic take is that the New York Knicks are a true contender in the pursuit of Kevin Durant.

Home/Knicks News