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Knicks Rumors: 5 Reasons Phil Jackson Won’t Leave New York In 2017

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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. Legacy

There’s a very easy case to make that Phil Jackson is the greatest coach in NBA history. He’s won 11 NBA championships—the most by any coach—and has the most postseason wins and the highest regular season and postseason win percentage of all-time.

Jackson’s legacy is safe as a legendary head coach, but one can’t help but ask the question: why would he want to end a chapter of his NBA career with a losing reputation?

The Knicks amassed a record of 49-115 during Jackson’s first two seasons as team president. Even if the Knicks manage to reach the playoffs in 2016-17, Jackson would have two losing seasons and one winning year on his resume.

Thus, while legacy may not be the best word of choice for what Jackson has riding on his Knicks tenure, it’s hard to believe the NBA’s greatest winner would want one of his stops to be deemed unsuccessful.

Jackson is as brilliant a basketball mind as the sport has ever seen, and one of the reasons for his success is his pride. He pushes individuals to be the best they can be, and that starts with pushing himself.

Jackson has what any great player, coach, or executive has: pride. It’s hard to imagine he’d leave New York without fulfilling his goals.

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