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New York Knicks: Mark Jackson endorses David Fizdale, front office

By Maxwell Ogden

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 11: NBA TNT Analyst, Mark Jackson talks with Monty Williams, vice president of basketball operations for the San Antonio Spurs, before Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Houston Rockets during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 11, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 11: NBA TNT Analyst, Mark Jackson talks with Monty Williams, vice president of basketball operations for the San Antonio Spurs, before Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Houston Rockets during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 11, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mark Jackson wasn’t hired as head coach of the New York Knicks, but he spoke highly of David Fizdale, Scott Perry, and Steve Mills.

The New York Knicks conducted a vast and widespread coaching search that included a list of candidates that reached double-digits. One of the most prominent names to surface on the franchise’s radar was former Knicks point guard Mark Jackson.

Jackson didn’t secure the position, but his inclusion in the coaching search was viewed by many as an example of New York exorcising its demons.

In previous seasons, the Knicks were accused of neglecting the pioneers who led the organization to past success. Thankfully, general manager Scott Perry and team president Steve Mills made it a point to address that accusation during the 2018 offseason.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Jackson heaped praise upon Mills and Perry for the job they’ve done, and endorsed David Fizdale as an outstanding hire at head coach.

"“The only thing for me – I appreciate the question – (is that they) have an outstanding coach in (David) Fizdale, quality guys, class guys running it in (Knicks president) Steve (Mills) and (Knicks GM) Scott (Perry) and I wish them nothing but the very best. It was a heckuva opportunity (to interview for the job) and I wish them nothing but the very best.”"

Jackson could’ve given the Knicks the cold shoulder, but he instead took the high road and offered a mature and glowing endorsement.

Jackson, 53, is a Brooklyn native who’s regarded as a New York City basketball legend. He was a star at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, led the nation in assists while playing for the St. John’s Red Storm, and was drafted by the Knicks in 1987.

Jackson is one of just three players in franchise history to win the Rookie fo the Year award, joining Patrick Ewing in 1985-86 and Willis Reed in 1964-65.

In total, Jackson played six seasons for the Knicks, with his first stint extending from 1987 to 1992, and his second coming during the 2000-01 campaign.

Jackson proceeded to win at a .526 percent clip during his three seasons as head coach of the Golden State Warriors. He was on the market when the Knicks hired Derek Fisher in 2014, as well as when the franchise chose Jeff Hornacek in 2016, but he reportedly never received an interview.

The fact that the Knicks finally interviewed Jackson during their coaching search in 2018 appears to have mended a broken fence that haunted fans for years.

Must Read: Kevin Knox deserves more 2018 NBA Draft consideration

Mark Jackson may not be head coach of the New York Knicks, but he appears to be supportive of the direction of the organization that drafted him.

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