How the Knicks should approach the offseason
Shifting The Blame?
As George Willis wrote in the New York Post, Phil Jackson has done a great job at shifting the blame after another underwhelming season:
"It was Carmelo Anthony’s fault: “We weren’t able to win with him on the team.” It was the starters’ fault: “The starters never had the consistency or chemistry to win close games.” It was the coaching staff’s fault: “We did not have an identity.”"
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The problems with Jackson have been noticed by the players, and Porzingis has mentioned his frustrations to the media.
"“This was a situation media did not hesitate to heat up more than it was …. I think there was some mistakes from Phil—things he maybe shouldn’t [have] said or written, things that made the situation worse or made him not look good.”"
Front office improvements
Phil Jackson’s final two years of his five-year deal look to have been mutually picked up. However, to fully improve the roster in time for Porzingis’ prime, the Knicks need to take this opportunity to let Phil Jackson go.
Regardless, even if Jackson does complete another two years, he will surely not be extended beyond that, and the triangle will go with him. Drafting players who best fit the triangle would be a mess, as these are the drafts that the Knicks need to be hitting on.
However, if the Knicks take this opportunity they will need a GM that will do the ground work and put in the man hours. Being an NBA General Manager is an all-encompassing role and it is no surprise that a lot of the better GMs in the leage are younger men.
Combine with the Knicks’ track record of signing a big name, there are suitable candidates that fit both criteria.