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New York Knicks: Top 5 options to replace Phil Jackson

By Maxwell Ogden

May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri (right) gestures as he speaks with media during pre-game shoot around before the Raptors host Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri (right) gestures as he speaks with media during pre-game shoot around before the Raptors host Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Masai Ujiri

There shouldn’t be much debate as to whom the New York Knicks should hire next as the next lead executive. Masai Ujiri has become one of the most revered minds in sports for his brilliant work with both the Denver Nuggets and the Toronto Raptors.

If one were to add the major market appeal of New York City to the mix, it stands to reason that Ujiri could take his success to the next level.

Thankfully, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical is reporting that Ujiri is at the top of the Knicks’ executive wish list.

That’s a promising sign.

Ujiri was named Executive of the Year in 2012-13 for creating a star-less, but masterfully assembled Nuggets team that managed to win 57 games. Since taking over as president of the Raptors in 2013, he’s led the organization to unprecedented success.

In his very first season in Toronto, the Raptors won a franchise record 48 games and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Since then, Toronto has won 49, 54, and 51 games, and made the first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in franchise history. The turning point was Ujiri trading the un-tradable Andrea Bargnani, and making the surprising decision to move offensive focal point Rudy Gay.

If Ujiri can work that same magic with Joakim Noah and build a healthy culture around Kristaps Porzingis, he’d be the man who saved the Knicks.

Must Read: Who is the greatest head coach in New York Knicks history?

All five candidates should be high on the list for New York Knicks owner James Dolan, but Masai Ujiri should be No. 1.

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