NY Knicks: Jeanie Buss warned Phil Jackson not to take Knicks job

Phil Jackson’s right-hand man Charley Rosen claims Lakers owner Jeanie Buss warned Phil Jackson about taking New York Knicks job.

In perhaps a classic example of revisionist history, Phil Jackson’s long-time confidant and basketball associate, Charley Rosen, had plenty to say about Jackson’s time as president of basketball operations with the New York Knicks in a recent article published by the New York Post.

According to Rosen, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, who was in a romantic relationship with the Hall-of-Fame coach at the time, warned Jackson about taking the Knicks job, warning it would end their relationship.

"“I told him not to take it because it’s crazy there,’’ Rosen said according to the New York Post. “Jeanie [Buss] told him not to take it. If he came there, it would end their relationship 3,000 miles away.”"

Of course, James Dolan’s reputation precedes him, both around the league, and among fans of the professional sports teams that he owns. It’s no secret that MSG isn’t going to be voted “best place to work” among basketball people anytime soon.

Whether Buss’s warning was related to Rosen’s comment about the environment at MSG, or strictly in reference to her personal relationship, or conjecture from Rosen is up for readers to decide on their own.

What we do know is the long-term romance between Buss and Jackson did come to an end while he was in New York. Buss told ESPNW that after her brother, Jim Buss, failed to hire Jackson in the same role with the Lakers (this was before Jeanie was controlling owner), she knew their 17-year relationship was in trouble, as it meant either Jackson would go stir crazy at home, or as it worked out, they would be confronted with a long-distance relationship when he took the job in the Big Apple.

The former Knicks player, known for his hippie ways, was brought to the Garden on a five-year, $60 million contract to become Knicks president, without any prior executive experience.

After only three full seasons on the job, with an embarrassing 80-166 record, and only days after reportedly trying to trade Kristaps Porzingis (ironic, isn’t it?) Jackson was fired. His legacy slowly being repaired with every episode of The Last Dance.