Finally, the monkey is off the proverbial back so to speak.
For the past few days, perhaps even the past few weeks, ever since the New York Knicks announced the arrival of Phil Jackson—one of the most respected names in NBA history—would be taking over as President of Basketball Operations, back in mid-March, it seemed only a matter of time before he would begin reconstructing the team organization.
Monday marked the beginning of the likely multi-faceted project, as Jackson addressed the elephant in the room: the rather tenuous coaching situation.
#Knicks Pres. @PhilJackson11 announces coaching staff has been relieved of its duties. READ: http://t.co/i5w2TCKPOQ pic.twitter.com/P8SQdO5N9n
— NBA New York Knicks (@nyknicks) April 21, 2014
In his announcement, Jackson did the best he could to ingratiate himself to Coach Mike Woodson.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike Woodson and his entire staff. The coaches and players on this team had an extremely difficult 2013-14 season, and blame should not be put on one individual. But the time has come for change throughout the franchise as we start the journey to assess and build this team for next season and beyond.
“Everyone in this franchise owes a great deal of gratitude to what Mike and his staff have done. We wish him the best.”
Though the entire staff has been relieved, the New York Post is reporting that it is highly likely that assistant coach Herb Williams may be retained by the new head coach.
The media was all over the story, from speculation about the top candidates to replace Woodson, to discussing how implementing a triangle system could impact Carmelo Anthony.
Bleacher Report NBA writer Howard Beck speculates that Phil Jackson may address the front office next now that the coaching staff change is underway.
Well-known New York sports reporter Frank Isola discussed Woodson’s dismissal, speculating the reasoning behind it, while talking with SportsNet New York.
Its only Downhill from here for the Knicks, but they don’t know that yet.
Bulls should be calling on Melo, after they lose to Wizards, and Melo must be dreaming already of fitting in with that team, or possibly Houston or even the Wiz (he grew up in Baltimore).
Woodson was the best coach the Knicks have had in over a decade, and he had the respect of the players. How is Steve Kerr going to get the respect of all the players if he has no experience? How is he going to get the respect of his Asst. Coaches, whoever they are? Is Kerr going to pick out his assistants himself, or will PJax do that for him?
Will PJax want to remake the team in his image, or tie up cap space with Melo’s $24 million salary during the key 2015-2016 season, that will balloon to 29 million in Melo’s 5th year? Or will PJax let Melo walk, and pray that LeBron wants to represent The Mecca of Basketball in July 2015? I don’t expect the Heat to win any championships, this year or next.
The future looks Grim to me for the Knicks.