Jackson ready to bring in one of his former players to fill the role.
New York Knicks coach Mike Woodson’s future is in doubt as reports continue to suggest that president Phil Jackson will look to appoint a new coach next season.
Following their loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, the Knicks appear to be losing momentum in their push to overthrow the Atlanta Hawks in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
They currently trail their rivals by two games and while it is still conceivable that they could make the post-season, it is understood that Woodson will not likely return next season regardless.
In turn, that has opened up speculation over who Jackson will appoint next, with former players Steve Kerr and Derek Fisher leading the way, according to USA Today.
Jackson will look to bring in someone familiar with his philosophies and concepts and who he feels confident in to execute his plans.
As a result, it is more than likely he will turn to either Kerr or Fisher as opposed to an already established coach, with many suggesting that the former is the favourite at this stage.
“If indeed TNT analyst and former NBA guard Steve Kerr, who played for three of Jackson’s championship Bulls teams, wants to coach, he is the front-runner, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
“But one other name to consider, if Kerr doesn’t end up as coach: Derek Fisher, who could end up with the Knicks either as a coach or front-office executive.”
Essentially, Jackson will be looking for a coach that can act as an extension of his ideas both in terms of culture and vision for how the team plays on the court.
Kerr would seem a likely fit to follow those type of instructions as a first-year coach, but it remains to be seen in which direction the Knicks go this summer with roster issues to figure out also.
COMMENTS