New York Knicks: Five Reasons The Triangle Offense Still Works

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Dec 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on during a stop in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

2. 11 Rings

Phil Jackson won 11 NBA championships—all of which were secured while running the triangle offense. He’s won more titles than any other coach in NBA history—and 11 is 11, no matter how much talent he had.

Thus, while it may be easy for New York Knicks fans to dismiss the system after two years, it’s important to contextualize what’s transpired.

Jackson tanked the 2014-15 season—a process that began before he even arrived. Everyone seems to remember the 54-win 2012-13 campaign, but they tend to overlook the fact that the Knicks missed the playoffs in 2013-14 with that same core.

Injuries played a factor, yes, but Jackson gave many of those players an opportunity to prove themselves—an opportunity they failed to cash in on.

His tenure hasn’t been perfect, but Jackson has delivered Kristaps Porzingis to an organization that hadn’t drafted a franchise player since 1985. Thus, it’s fair to believe that the man who won 11 championships as a coach and two as a player deserves the benefit of the doubt.

The triangle offense needs to adapt to modern times, but that’s why Jackson hired Jeff Hornacek as head coach.

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