The New York Knicks have parted ways with their team president, Phil Jackson, after a disastrous three years for the franchise.
“After careful thought and consideration, we mutually agreed that the Knicks will be going in a different direction,” the Knicks owner, James Dolan, said. “Phil Jackson is one of the most celebrated and successful individuals in the history of the NBA. His legacy in the game of basketball is unmatched. We wish him the best and thank him for his service to the Knicks as both a player and an executive.”
Jackson cemented his reputation as one of the greatest coaches in basketball history when he led the Chicago Bulls, and then the LA Lakers, to 11 NBA titles. However, his decision to serve as an executive for the first time, acting as Knicks president, has been widely seen as a disaster. Since his arrival with the Knicks in March 2014, the team has failed to reach the playoffs, posting an 80-166 record in his three full seasons in New York. There has also been friction between Jackson and the Knicks’ two biggest stars, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Jackson was keen to trade Anthony and said he would listen to offers for Porzingis, one of the NBA’s best young players.
Jackson wasn’t much more successful off the court. In November 2016, LeBron James said he lost respect for Jackson after he used the word “posse” to describe the Cleveland star’s business partners. James said such comments underscore the difficulties young African-Americans have in gaining respect, especially in the business world.
The 71-year-old’s tied with the club goes back decades: Jackson won two NBA titles with the Knicks during his playing career. “I had hoped, of course, to bring another NBA championship to the Garden. As someone who treasures winning, I am deeply disappointed that we weren’t able to do that,” Jackson said on Wednesday. “New York fans deserve nothing less. I wish them and the Knicks organization all the best — today and always.”
Many Knicks fans welcomed the news on social media. The film director Spike Lee posted a one-word response to the news on Instagram: “HALLELUJAH”.
