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New York Knicks: Five Reasons To Love Phil Jackson’s Offseason

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson smiles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 - 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson smiles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 - 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Courtney Lee (1) celebrates after hitting a three point shot in the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Rockets 125-109. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Courtney Lee (1) celebrates after hitting a three point shot in the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Rockets 125-109. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Win-Now Mentality

The New York Knicks haven’t made the playoffs since Mike Woodson and company won 54 games in 2012-13. That stretch of three seasons without a postseason appearance falls right in line with what Knicks fans have come to expect of their erratic home team.

During the 2016 NBA offseason, Jackson elevated the quality of the roster to the point of New York facing expectations of a postseason appearance.

Since Jeff Van Gundy departed in 2001, the Knicks have made the playoffs four times in 15 seasons. New York had a losing record in one of those four campaigns, went 42-40 in another, and won a grand total of one postseason series.

That creates a reality that currently haunts the Knicks in unspeakable ways: entering the 70th season in franchise history, New York has an all-time record that’s below .500.

What Jackson achieved this summer was something that few executives have been able to since the end of Ewing era: created optimism. Even if the Knicks do fall victim to their woes, there’s enough talent in place to reach the playoffs.

The target is set significantly higher than a postseason appearance, but even a first round exit would be better than what New York has achieved these past three years.

Next: Keeping It All Together

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