To say New York Knicks are having a dismal season is an understatement. In fact, the Knicks are sixth... when it comes to worst win percentages in the NBA. But team reps reportedly met with the "Zen Master" to help turn things around.
ESPN reported Knicks President Steve Mills met with former Lakers coach and basketball guru Phil Jackson two weeks ago to discuss replacing current Knicks head coach Mike Woodson. (Via Flickr / Keith Allison)
But according to Stephen A. Smith, Jackson's not looking for a coaching gig: "Phil has expressed some interest in having some front-office responsibilities, having an authority, meaning president of basketball operations or something along those lines." (Via ESPN)
Smith added that the Knicks' meeting with Jackson — who played for the Knicks from the late '60s to the '70s — underscores their desire to ditch Woodson, who's led the team to a disappointing 22-40 record so far.
According to one SB Nation writer, "After every embarrassing loss, people have waited with baited breath for the hammer to finally drop on the Knicks' head coach. ... Woodson has done a poor job coaching the team this season."
But turning the franchise around will also require the Knicks to hold on to one of their biggest stars — Carmelo Anthony.
'Melo will be a free agent on July 1 and several sports writers say Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah made an early sales pitch during the All-Star weekend for Anthony to join him in the Windy City. (Via CBS)
And Noah isn't alone. Bulls guard Derrick Rose has reportedly gotten in on the recruiting, too. (Via Bleacher Report)
But Anthony's previous statements indicate he's not necessarily looking for a new location. He just wants to be happy. Anthony told reporters during that same All-Star weekend his first priority was being a Knick.
He told the New York Post, “Any opportunity I have to build that up in New York, I’d do it. I told people all the time, if it takes me taking a paycut, I’ll be the first one on Mr. Dolan’s steps saying: ‘Take my money and let’s build something strong over here.’”
But the 2013-2014 season isn't over and Woodson thinks the Knicks, with 20 games left, can go on a run and make the playoffs... no matter how slim the chances. According to Newsday, other teams in the Eastern Conference would have to lose plenty for the Knicks to make it to the playoffs but they do have a "relatively favorable" schedule ahead of them.
The Knicks play the 21-40 Utah Jazz at home Friday night then the 24-38 Cavaliers in Cleveland Saturday.
