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New York Knicks: Pros, Cons Of Phil Jackson’s Tenure As Team President

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson (right) watches during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson (right) watches during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) warms up prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) warms up prior to the game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Kristaps Porzingis

For the first time in 30 years, the New York Knicks have an idea as to who the franchise player will be five years from now. Not since New York drafted Patrick Ewing in 1985 has the organization actually valued a long-term and sustainable vision.

Whether or not Porzingis grows into the role of a true No. 1, the fact that Jackson is valuing his draft picks is reason enough to praise him.

In 2015-16, Porzingis became the first rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals made. In 2016-17, he became the first player in Knicks history to record at least 100 blocks and 100 3-point field goals made in the same season.

Porzingis still needs to grow into his body and fill out with muscle, but at 21 years of age, he’s already one of the most dynamic talents in the Association.

Porzingis has the potential to be an elite defensive player with size, length, and mobility that the Knicks are beginning to take advantage of. On offense, he’s already a sharpshooter who has the ability to take his man off the bounce and go to the post.

Porzingis will need to bulk up in order to realize his true potential, but Jackson deserves credit for pulling the trigger on drafting a future franchise player.

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