Knicks Notes: Jackson, Woodson, Kerr
The Knicks hiring Phil Jackson to oversee their basketball operations is the next best thing to James Dolan selling the team, opines Ian O’Connor of ESPNNewYork.com. Jackson isn’t buying the Knicks, but he’ll effectively be renting them for the next five years, which is about as much as fans can ask for. Meanwhile, one league official feels that Dolan will be handicapping Jackson if he forces him to keep neophyte GM Steve Mills on the basketball side. Instead, the official says, Jackson should be allowed to hire Steve Kerr to fill that role. More out of MSG..
- The Knicks announced that they will have a major announcement at a Tuesday press conference, presumably to introduce Jackson.
- WIthin his story about Knicks coach Mike Woodson wanting a sit-down with Jackson, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes that Jackson’s contract technically hasn’t been signed yet. A press conference is expected to take place on Tuesday and could possibly include fellow Knicks legends Bill Bradley and Willis Reed.
- If the Knicks oust Woodson, he would be a top candidate at his alma mater of Indiana University, writes Frank Isola of the New York Daily News. Of course, that would mean current coach Tom Crean not returning to the Hoosiers.
- For his part, Woodson told reporters, including Adam Zagoria of SNY (on Twitter), that he was unhappy with the report tying him to Indiana. Meanwhile, Isola (Twitter links) notes that Woodson has a history of playing coy when it comes to this sort of thing.
- Count Charles Oakley among the former Knicks players who believes that Jackson will do a great job in his new role, writes Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. “He’s someone with a brand, an ex-Knicks player, 11 championships — he’s got he whole resume,” Oakley said. “Having him is like taking a test and already having the answers. You can’t go wrong when his hand is involved in what you’re trying to do.“
- Jackson shouldn’t be concerned about not being cut any media slack from the get-go, writes Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News.
Rockets To Pursue Carmelo Anthony?
They might not have ample cap space to sign him, but that won’t prevent the Rockets from pursuing Carmelo Anthony this summer, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post. Citing a league source, Berman says the Rockets inquired about Anthony at the trade deadline last month. They would have to work out a sign-and-trade for the Knicks superstar to make it happen.
While Anthony has never fared well under the microscope of advanced statistics — a guiding principle for Houston GM Daryl Morey — Berman writes that pairing Anthony with James Harden and Dwight Howard is too appealing a possibility for the Rockets to pass up.
Moving one or both of Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik, on the books for $15MM apiece next season, would be the biggest obstacles facing Morey prior to a move as significant as a trade for Anthony. The Knicks were one of many teams linked to Asik at times this season.
Berman mentions the Lakers, Clippers and Bulls as other possible destinations for Anthony, should he choose to leave New York. He also references a USA Today report from last month, where Howard had the following to say about the caveats of playing in a gigantic market such as New York:
“If you don’t win, you’re not going to get all the [off-court] stuff you want anyway,” Howard said. “I saw that last year [in Los Angeles]. I was in the biggest market for the NBA, and we lost, so those [companies] aren’t going to be coming to you for losing.
“When I was in Orlando, a small market, and we were winning, I was very popular with a lot of different deals on the table. So it’s more so about winning, and you’ve got to put yourself in a position to where you’re winning basketball games and you’re having fun doing it. Losing is not fun, and ‘Melo wants to win.”
Mike Woodson Wants Sit-Down With Phil Jackson
With Phil Jackson now embedded at the top of the basketball decision-making hierarchy in New York, current Knicks head coach Mike Woodson would like a sit-down with his new boss, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post. While Woodson has said the right things about Jackson, it’s no secret that his future with the Knicks is uncertain despite being under contract for next season.
The Knicks are hoping to hold Jackson’s introductory press conference on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, reports Berman, providing an opportunity for such a meeting to take place. Rumors have begun to swirl about Jackson installing his signature triangle offense in New York, which would likely necessitate a new coach. Woodson is hoping for fair consideration.
“I would want him to view me as a coach,’’ Woodson said. “If and when that time comes, I would just love the chance to sit with him and talk basketball. He’s a basketball guy, I’m a basketball guy. This is 30 years I’ve spent in this league so that’s what we’ll do, but until that happens my focus is strictly on trying to get this team in the playoffs. That’s it.’’
Berman lists Steve Kerr, Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw and Bucks assistant Jim Cleamons as former Jackson disciples who might draw consideration. He also mentions Nate McMillan as a “strong possibility” before implying that past tension with Jackson might dispel the possibility for Jeff Van Gundy‘s return to New York.
Eastern Notes: Jackson, McRoberts, Hamilton
As Ric Bucher and Howard Beck of Bleacher Report discuss, it is impossible for the Knicks or anyone else to predict the success that Phil Jackson will have as team president because he simply has no track record in an NBA front office. While Beck speculates that Jackson’s guidance could have the same positive effect on Carmelo Anthony that it did on Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, Bucher points out that the NBA’s resident Zen Master has never had the best relationship with agents.
Let’s take a look at what else is happening around the Eastern Conference tonight:
- The underpaid Josh McRoberts has the ability to opt out of his two-year deal and become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, writes Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, who adds that the Bobcats value the Duke product and should do everything they can to retain him.
- Bonnell also confirms that the Bobcats worked out a group of players on Thursday, as we heard yesterday. While it doesn’t sound like he thinks the team have anything notable planned, Bonnell points out the forthcoming expiration of Justin Hamilton‘s 10-day contract and mentions the Heat as possible suitors for the 7-foot LSU product should Charlotte let him walk (via Twitter).
- Bucks head coach Larry Drew indicated today that a decision has yet to be made on whether or not the team will sign Tony Mitchell to a second 10-day contract, tweets Charles Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Bucks initially added Mitchell from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on March 4.
Eastern Notes: Boozer, Woodson, Drew
No decision has been made on Carlos Boozer‘s future with the Bulls, but the veteran says that he feels unappreciated in Chicago, writes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Boozer has been moody with the media for some time now, and sources say that’s linked to his frustrations with the club. For his part, GM Gar Forman says no decision has been made on the forward. “People can say or think what they want, but that decision absolutely hasn’t been made,’’ Forman told Cowley. More out of the East..
- Knicks coach Mike Woodson was positive about the hire of Phil Jackson to run basketball operations and told ESPN Radio in New York that it can only “enhance” the organization, tweets Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.
- Bucks coach Larry Drew says that he holds no ill-will towards the Hawks for how things turned out, writes Charles F. Gardner of the Journal-Sentinel. “No bitterness whatsoever. This is just the NBA. Things happen. I certainly understood their position. Bruce Levenson (managing partner) was really good to me. The Gearons (managing partner Michael Gearon) were always in my corner from Day 1,” Drew said.
- Former Bobcats coach Mike Dunlap has landed as the new head coach of Loyola Marymount, according to an official announcement on the school’s website. Dunlap, an assistant with St. John’s before being tabbed by Bobcats owner Michael Jordan, was considered to be a shocking hire for Charlotte and lasted just one season.
Atlantic Notes: Jackson, Varnado, Ainge
Early-season fear that the Atlantic Division champion wouldn’t deserve its automatic high seeding in the playoffs has subsided, with the Raptors holding the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. The fast-charging Nets are three games back, but the most compelling stories out of the Atlantic seem to come from the teams that are below .500. Here’s news on the Knicks, Sixers and Celtics:
- A source tells Frank Isola of the New York Daily News that Phil Jackson plans to live “in New York 35% of the time and make it look like 50%” (Twitter link). In contrast, Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck hears from Jackson confidants who say he wouldn’t be taking the Knicks job if he didn’t intend to move to the Big Apple.
- Analytics fascinate Jackson, who’ll probably further the use of advanced metrics in a Knicks front office that’s been slow to adopt them, Beck writes in the same piece.
- Sixers coach Brett Brown is enamored with Jarvis Varnado, and it’s because of his defense, observes Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News. The Sixers, who signed Varnado on Wednesday to a multiyear contract, give up the third most points per possession in the league, according to NBA.com.
- Pacers coach Frank Vogel believes the Celtics provide the right environment for friend Brad Stevens. Vogel is particularly high on president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, saying he’s “at the top of that list” of executives a coach would want to work for. Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald has the details.
Reaction To Phil Jackson’s Deal With Knicks
Phil Jackson and the Knicks have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to have the Zen Master join the team’s front office, though the terms of the deal are apparently still in flux. The news has elicited response from Carmelo Anthony and others, as we detail here:
- In an updated version of his story, Berman shares Anthony’s remarks about whether he had any input on the decision to bring in Jackson. “I don’t want to jump the gun as far as being consulted,” Anthony said. “They have to do what they have to do in the front office and make the moves. They brought it to me a couple of days ago. It wasn’t something [where] it was do or die based on my decision. Them guys were going to make the decision regardless of what I said. I kind of let the guys handle the situation, and I focus on basketball and hope and pray we all do the right thing to try to build a team here.’’
Earlier updates:
- Anthony doesn’t believe his free agency this summer hinges on Jackson’s hiring, as the star forward told reporters today, including Peter Botte of the New York Daily News. “I don’t think it’ll have any effect on me, just as far as what I’m thinking or my decision or anything like that,” Anthony said. “Like I said, I haven’t talked to Phil yet, just to get his insight on a lot of things, what’s his plan, what’s his future plan, because everything’s in his hands now.”
- Still, Anthony admitted he’s never spoken to Jackson before, as Marc Berman of the New York Post notes. Anthony said Saturday that the Knicks hadn’t told him about their pursuit of Jackson, but the Leon Rose client said today that the team informed him two days ago. “You can’t take for granted what he knows about basketball, whether he’s on the sideline or in the front office,” Anthony said. “I’m pretty sure he’ll try his best to do what he has to do to build a championship here.’’
- Jeanie Buss, Jackson’s fiancee and co-owner of the Lakers, told Nancy Dillon of the New York Daily News that she had no intention of keeping Jackson from taking the Knicks job, saying, “It’s his decision to make, of course.”
- Ken Berger of CBSSports.com can’t envision Jackson making the kind of full-time commitment to the Knicks necessary to change the franchise’s sagging fortunes.
Phil Jackson Rumors: Tuesday
Monday it appeared that the Knicks felt they were close to a deal with Phil Jackson, but the Zen Master’s camp didn’t see the talks as nearing completion. We rounded up all the latest from Monday in a single post, and we’ll keep track of today’s updates on Jackson and the Knicks here.
- Knicks owner James Dolan has reportedly solicited the help of Bill Bradley as an intermediary in the team’s negotiations with Jackson, says Frank Isola of the New York Daily News. Bradley is Jackson’s longtime friend and former teammate.
- Isola adds that Dolan and Bradley have been working together to finalize an agreement that would make Jackson the highest-paid executive in NBA history, with a deal that could pay in excess of $15MM annually.
- A source close to Jackson indicates that the two sides have had preliminary discussions about Jackson possibly owning a minority stake in the team.
Earlier updates:
- The Knicks have competition for Jackson, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, who hears that the Pistons are “very much in the mix” for the Zen Master with Joe Dumars unlikely to return. The Cavs have reached out as well, although their interest is “somewhat muddied” at present, Kyler writes.
- Still, it’s “highly unlikely” that Jackson will return to the Lakers, Kyler adds.
- Steve Kerr reiterated to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv today that he would like to coach in the NBA, though he didn’t address the Knicks specifically. If Jackson hires Kerr, Kyler suggests he’ll go after Cavs interim GM David Griffin to run the day-to-day operations for the Knicks.
- Reports that Jackson is strongly leaning toward taking the Knicks job are “greatly exaggerated,” a source close to Jackson tells Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio.
- The Knicks are “very confident” they’ll finalize a deal with Jackson by the end of the week, though a formal announcement might not come until next week, a source tells Chris Broussard of ESPN.com. The Knicks don’t feel as though Jackson would take a job with the Lakers or another club at this point. Jackson would gain control of the Knicks basketball operations department, displacing Mills, but Mills would remain an “integral” part of the team even if Jackson is hired, Broussard writes.
- A source tells Frank Isola of the New York Daily News that the meeting in which Steve Mills spoke to Jackson about coaching the team was a “disaster.” Jackson doesn’t want to work with Mills, the source says. Mills would retain a role of some sort within the organization if Jackson came aboard, but he wouldn’t be active in day-to-day operations, according to Isola. Mills has been committed to the idea of firing Mike Woodson, though he’s against hiring an interim coach and would prefer to go after marquee names in the offseason. Isola identifies John Calipari, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson and Tom Thibodeau as likely candidates for a Mills-led search, but it’s unclear if Jackson would go after any of the same.
- In any case, it’s clear that owner James Dolan, and not Mills or anyone else in the Knicks organization, is negotiating with Jackson now, Isola writes in a separate piece, adding that the salary on the table for the Zen Master is believed to be $12MM a year. Isola suggests that if Jackson takes the job, he’s “destined” to bring in his own front office staff, including a new general manager to run the day-to-day operations. Isola speculates that Byron Scott and Kurt Rambis could become coaching candidates in this scenario. Still, the Daily News scribe wonders if Jackson is using the Knicks offer to finagle a job with the Lakers, citing general managers from around the league who say that his heart lies with the purple-and-gold.
- Marc Berman of the New York Post contradicts Isola with regard to Mills, writing that the current Knicks president and general manager would retain a similar role if Jackson came aboard because of Mills’ aplomb with handling agents. Agents question Jackson’s sincerity, Isola notes.
- Berman also writes in his piece that Woodson will probably have to make the second round of the playoffs to keep his job.
And-Ones: Kobe, Lakers, Woodson
The Lakers are expected to officially declare Kobe Bryant out for the rest of the 2013/14 season, as per Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report. The 35-year-old guard is still dealing with discomfort after fracturing the tibial plateau in his left knee back in December. Ding adds that while the superstar guard has expressed hope in the team significantly re-tooling this summer via free agency, all signs point to the front office planning accordingly to have cap flexibility for the summer of 2015.
You can find more of tonight’s noteworthy links below:
- With Kobe, Steve Nash, and Robert Sacre presently listed as the only guaranteed contracts for next season, Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times looks at the rest of the current roster to determine who has the best chance of sticking around after this year.
- Mike Woodson‘s reported mistrust of Steve Mills partially stems from the Knicks executive’s presence in coaches meetings, practices, and road trips for large chunks of the season, writes Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. According to Kyler, Woodson’s camp viewed it as meddling in the process and casting doubt on the coach’s job from the start.
- Marco Belinelli doesn’t hold a grudge against the Bulls for declining to make him an offer this past summer, but his first choice would have been to re-sign with the Bulls, in spite of Tom Thibodeau’s efforts to convince the team to do so. Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News has the details, noting that when Gregg Popovich called Thibodeau for a recommendation, Thibs gave the shooting guard an endorsement.
- Paul Millsap says he didn’t go “kicking and screaming” from the Jazz when they parted ways over the summer, adding that he respected the team’s decision not to pursue re-signing him, as Brad Rock of the Deseret News observes.
- J.J. Hickson has hired Muhammad Abdur-Rahim and Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management as his new agents, reports Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com (Twitter link). They replace Andy Miller of ASM Sports, whom the Nuggets big man jettisoned earlier this season.
Chuck Myron contributed to this post.
Knicks Links: Carmelo, Kerr, Jackson
Earlier tonight on Twitter, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders shared some thoughts about Carmelo Anthony‘s possible free agency this summer. To paraphrase, he doesn’t see Anthony leaving the Knicks unless it’s a sign-and-trade, and while some may speculate that the hometown star will take less money to stay in place, it almost never happens that way. Kyler is also uncertain if any other team would be willing to offer four years and $22.4MM per to land the soon-to-be 30-year-old forward.
If the Bulls show interest, Kyler adds that the only way he can see Carmelo going to Chicago is if they’re able to unload Carlos Boozer‘s deal in a sign-and-trade, and even if that materializes, he isn’t sure if they’d be willing to pay the former Syracuse star max money over the final two years of his deal (Five Twitter links to share).
Here’s more out of New York tonight:
- Former player and current TNT analyst Steve Kerr is aware of the speculation that he’d be considered a coaching candidate for the Knicks if Phil Jackson were to take a front-office position with the team, writes Justin Terranova of the New York Post. Coincidentally, Kerr was in New York today for a CBS/NCAA Tournament press conference and commented on the situation: “I understand the speculation…I’ve said I wanted to coach at some point in my life, I know Phil, I played for him [with the Bulls]. People are sort of connecting the dots, but it’s very uncomfortable commenting on speculation, especially when it comes to someone else’s jobs.”
- More from Kerr, who confirmed that he’d be interested in coaching at some point: “I was the general manager in Phoenix for three years, and I loved being on the court with the players…That’s when it piqued my interest…I’m always going to keep my eyes open. I think it’s important in life to always keep looking forward and being open to new things.”
- Kerr told Al Iannazzone of Newsday that based on his conversations with Jackson over the years, he knows that the former Bulls and Lakers coach wants to be working in a front office at this point: “Well, I’ve stayed in touch with Phil over the years and I know just from being with him at times that this is what he wants to do is build a franchise.”