In case you haven’t had enough of the Phil Jackson to New York story, we have more as reactions continue to pour in. Jackson joined the Boomer and Carton show on WFAN New York this morning to explain why he took the job with the Knicks. Here is what he had to say, courtesy of Royce Young at CBS Sports: “I like the city, I like the basketball team, I don’t like all the way they’ve been playing lately, but they’re showing signs of playing like a team again. I think it’s a great time in the NBA to use the flexibility and availability that’s been given to teams in this new CBA between the owners and players … equity is supposed to be the big thing, caps on spending and things like that. But I do think it favors a place like New York.”
Here’s a look at more news and notes stemming from James Dolan’s big hire:
- Amin Elhassan of ESPN.com conducts a detailed examination aimed at determining whether or not Carmelo Anthony can fit within Phil Jackson’s triangle offense. According to Elhassan, Melo could thrive just like his predecessors if the system is run correctly.
- The man to run it, at least for the time being, would presumably be Knicks head coach Mike Woodson, who said on Wednesday that he was capable of teaching it with Jackson’s guidance, reports ESPN New York’s Ohm Youngmisuk. Woodson also seemed unconcerned that Dolan offered Jackson his job. Youngmisuk also includes some words from Anthony, who seemed encouraged that Jackson plans to build around him.
- Knicks legend Patrick Ewing approves of the Jackson addition, telling Mitch Abramson of the New York Daily News he’s happy to have “one of our own” taking over the franchise. Ewing, of course, went up against Jackson and his Bulls for years in the Eastern Conference.
- Count Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich among those expecting big things from Jackson in New York, according to Bleacher Report’s Kevin Ding on Twitter. Asked Wednesday for his thoughts, Pop had the following to say: “Fantastic. It’s wonderful for everybody concerned. Definitely great for the league.” With regard to Jackson adjusting to a management role, Pop said: “He’ll figure it out. He’ll get it going.” (Twitter links)