Knicks Rumors: Pros and cons of hiring Mark Jackson

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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29: Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors addresses the media before facing the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pro: Defense

The New York Knicks haven’t played at at a consistently solid level on defense since 2012-13. New York hasn’t ranked in the top 10 on the defensive end of the floor since 2011-12, when Tyson Chandler single-handedly changed the culture.

If there’s one area in which Mark Jackson can undoubtedly help the Knicks, it’s helping intensity on defense become second nature for the players.

Jackson took over as head coach of the Golden State Warriors in 2011-12. The season prior, the Warriors ranked No. 26 in the NBA in defensive efficiency with a putrid average of 107.6 points allowed per 100 possessions.

Golden State again ranked No. 26 in the Association in defensive rating in 2011-12, but allowed 106.0 points per 100 possessions—1.6 fewer than in 2010-11.

In Jackson’s second season, he ended the Warriors’ five-year postseason drought by leading the team to a ranking of No. 13 in defensive rating. In 2013-14, the Warriors reached No. 3 in the statistic, and were one of just three teams to allow fewer than 100 points per 100 possessions.

Jackson may not be revered for his strategical creativity, but he certainly excels at getting his players to buy in on defense.

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