If Knicks’ owner James Dolan’s word is his bond, Phil Jackson will be the franchise’s president for the next two seasons unless the Hall of Fame coach decides to voluntarily resign. What that means for the future of the Knicks is as ambiguous as their current state of affairs.
When the team takes the court tonight in Cleveland to face the Cavaliers after seven days off from game action for the All-Star break, they will do so with a record of 23-34 and a 12th-place standing in the Eastern Conference. Today (Thursday) is also the NBA trade deadline. As of the printing of this story, the Knicks had yet to make a deal despite several rumors involving Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose.
What is most confounding and maddening about the Knicks is that they seem to have no clear direction. Another season that will likely end without a playoff appearance is rapidly coming to a close. They have 25 games remaining and are engaged in an organizational conflict as to whether winning games now takes priority over immediately starting the rebuilding process in earnest.
It goes against all ethical obligations to the fans and players for the Knicks not to try and win every game they play. The mere suggestion by anyone that they shouldn’t is nonsensical and should be insulting to every player on tche team who has pride. But winning games does not have more efficacy or value to the Knicks at this juncture than establishing with whom they will be moving forward and where they are headed.
When the season began, Jackson’s plan was clear and supported by a multitude of fans and media that closely follow the team. Trading for Rose and signing Brandon Jennings, Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah signaled he was making a strong push for the playoffs. Rose was a risk worth taking and has played well offensively despite being dreadful defensively like most of his teammates.
Jennings has been inconsistent while Lee has been a solid professional as expected both on the court and in the locker room. The Noah signing, a four-year, $72 million contract, the most dubious move Jackson made, will hamstring the Knicks for at least the next two years. Noah’s body has betrayed his huge heart and desire, which was the primary concern of many who opposed the signing of a 31-year-old player past his prime—Noah turns 32 Saturday—coming off serious injuries to more than a two-year deal.
So what will Jackson do now? Will he build around second-year player Kristaps Porzingis? Will he somehow pull off a miracle and acquire a high-impact player to pair with the still developing Porzingis like the New Orleans Pelicans did when they stole DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings to combine with Anthony Davis?
Trading Anthony and Rose just for the sake of trading them is of no benefit to the Knicks. Although Jackson is not obligated to share with the fans and media exactly what his blueprint is, it would be smart public relations. Staying quiet and remaining cryptic only adds to the widespread perception that Jackson has yet to establish a cogent and promising course for the franchise.
