The New York Knicks will be in the market for a new head coach this offseason. With so many big names available let’s take a look at the three who stand out the most.
Mark Jackson
There are a lot of things to like about a potential reunion with Mark Jackson and the New York Knicks. First, Jackson is New York through and through. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, which made him a hometown favorite during his time as a player.
As a player, Jackson spent his first 5 years in the league suiting up for the Knicks, averaging 12.1 points and 8.2 assists, winning rookie of the year in 1988. Jackson was known for playing hard and always being the smartest player on the court.
Jackson would reunite with the New York Knicks at the end of his career for two more seasons in the Big Apple. Could Mark Jackson find his way back home for the third time?
Jackson already has one successful rebuild under his belt as a head coach from his time in Golden State. Jackson coached the Warriors through their rebuild improving the team from 23 wins his first season to 47 in his second and 51 in his final year. In both of the last two seasons Jackson led the Warriors to the playoffs.
I’m a believer that Mark Jackson deserves just as much credit for the Golden State Warriors dynasty as Steve Kerr. Jackson helped develop Stephen Curry into one of the league’s best point guards and is responsible for pairing him with Splash Bro Klay Thompson. Without Jackson, we may have never been given Defensive MVP Draymond Green, and who would want a league without that?
The connections are clear between Jackson and the New York Knicks, and with his track record of player development, Jackson fits the Knicks timeline perfectly. It’s been six years since Jackson last coached but an offer from his hometown could be exactly what he’s been waiting for.