New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson acknowledged the need for the Triangle Offense to adapt to modern standards. That includes the increased emphasis on 3-point shooting.
Throughout his brief two-year tenure as team president of the New York Knicks, Phil Jackson has faced a consistent stream of criticism. Much of it has been unfounded and rushed, but there’s one critique that has persisted.
The Triangle Offense can be effective, but it must adapt to the modern standards for NBA basketball.
The Triangle Offense is one of the most decorated systems in NBA history. Jackson ran it with legendary assistant coach Tex Winter, winning 11 championships between his time as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
During a recent promotional event, Jackson acknowledged the need for the Triangle Offense to be modernized (h/t Ian Begley of ESPN New York).
"“The 3-point line has become our affection, because it means more when we make a 3-point shot. So the spacing has changed dramatically,” Jackson said at a promotional event with Shaquille O’Neal and ESPN’s Hannah Storm. “So the triangle can still be a part of that, but it has to adapt.”"
That’s exactly what Knicks fans have been waiting to hear.
The Triangle Offense is as proven as any system in NBA history, but times have changed. The idea of shooting a high number of midrange jump shots is unappealing, primarily due to the increased utilization of the 3-point shot.
For perspective, two teams attempted at least 2,000 3-point field goals in 2009-10—the year Jackson won his most recent championship. By comparison, 3 teams eclipsed 2,000 3-point field goal attempts in 2015-16.
In 2012-13, when New York last reached the postseason, it ranked No. 1 in both 3-point field goals made and 3-point field goals attempted.
Of the 13 teams that attempted at least 2,000 3-point field goals in 2015-16, 10 made the playoffs. In other words, just six of the 17 teams that didn’t attempt 2,000 3-point field goals missed the playoffs.
Teams don’t have to live and die by the 3-ball, but they must be able to convert it with a respectable combination of volume and efficiency.
In 2015-16, 11 of the 15 teams that made at least 700 3-point field goals reached the NBA Playoffs. Five of the 15 teams that didn’t convert at least 700 3-point field goals were left on the outside looking in.
It appears as though Jackson is fully aware of the way the game has changed, and is prepared to make the necessary modifications to the Triangle Offense.
Hiring Jeff Hornacek as head coach was the first step in that direction. Hornacek doesn’t live by the 3-point shot as a strategist, but ran a system with the Phoenix Suns that understood the value of it.
In 2013-14, when Phoenix won 48 games under Hornacek, it ranked No. 4 in 3-point field goal attempts and No. 6 in 3-point field goals made.
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Frustrating as the past three years have been, a 13-time champion is now focused on modernizing the most successful offensive system in NBA history.
It’s time to give Phil Jackson a sliver of faith, Knicks fans.