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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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Mar 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Willy Hernangomez

Throughout the 2016-17 NBA regular season, Willy Hernangomez provided reasons to believe the New York Knicks have a bright future. Kristaps Porzingis may be the new face of the franchise, but Hernangomez appears to be the perfect interior complement.

Say what you will about his other decisions, but Phil Jackson should be praised for solidifying the interior for years to come.

Hernangomez, 22, finished his rookie season with averages of 8.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 offensive rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 18.4 minutes per game. He did so on an efficient slash line of .529/.267/.728.

Those numbers translate to impressive marks of 16.0 points, 13.6 rebounds, 4.6 offensive rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 block per 36 minutes.

Hernangomez will need to polish his game, but he clearly has appeal as a potential franchise cornerstone. He’s a strong and physical interior presence who can go to the post, dominate the boards, facilitate the offense, and defend with respectable energy.

For an organization that consistently strikes out in free agency—even before Jackson arrived—it’s encouraging to see an executive who values the draft.

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