The Year of Phil Jackson

Back in 2013-14 season life was strangely optimistic for Knicks fans. The Knicks were coming off a strong 23 game season finish after an abysmal start that lasted all the way to midseason. The fans suffered through a slow destruction of their players and coach Woodrow’s relationship, and as a result players weren’t playing up to their potential and openly questioned the game plan and strategy. In those final games the Knicks let it fly and played small ball to better success than the 59 previous games. They made 38.7 percent of their shots from beyond the arc and outscored teams by 20 plus points per 100 possessions. But how could the Knicks improve?

Enter Phil Jackson into the picture, who came in at the end of the season and began to clean house. He spared no players, trainers, assistants, or coaches; everybody was up for scrutiny. He used the little resources he had at the time to create a surprising number of moves and picks. Unfortunately the only person left from those changes is Jose Calderon.

Ohm Youngmisuk simplified what the 2014-15 season would mean for the Knicks back in 2014:

The Knicks want to remain competitive this coming season and try to make the playoffs. But they already are looking ahead to next summer, hoping to find a way to acquire another star to play with Anthony and keep the team’s salary cap in good shape…. But the good thing is, Jackson is here, he appears to have a plan, and he is not afraid to make moves.

Pressure faced Derek Fisher from the very beginning and his departure doesn’t necessarily mean failure in spite of all the drama that surrounded his leaving. What hurts the Knicks the most is they have yet to prove they are a viable and sustainable organization; hauntingly this was predicted by Bleacher Report.

Kingdom for a Future

Back in 2014 the Knicks were projecting to be on the books in 2015 for only $32 million currently committed (for Anthony and Jose Calderon) per Hoops Hype. The reality has ballooned to $74 million leaving the Knicks owing about $55.3 million in some scenarios with $19 million to $30 million in cap space at the most, once the free agency season starts. If the plan was to have good salary cap and add another star to the mix the Knicks haven’t quite succeeded as they are not financially flexible to compete for top talent nor have they increased the draw of their destination. Even worse, Phil Jackson is again facing no first round pick, but that will be the last pick the Knicks have to give away.

The saving grace of Kristaps Porzingis isn’t the only plus, as there have also been a few other bright spots. Robin Lopez and Jose Calderon remained fairly healthy for the season and Carmelo Anthony is at the point in his career where most things will hurt for him, so all in all health has been a surprising plus for the Knicks. Health used to be killer for the Knicks, who struggled with stars and key rotation players going out at crucial times until this year. Meanwhile, Derrick Williams has managed to increase his production and redeem his lottery value. Another star may be ideal and the top thing on Anthony’s wish list but with some expertise, Phil might be able to make shrewd moves to use the momentum and limited resources to put it all together.

Have the Knicks Lived up to their Promises?

If Phil Jackson had a plan, it has taken awhile to get traction. His vision has stayed the same for better or for worse and perhaps it is our own faith that has wavered and not the Zen Master’s. On the other hand, it could all be smoke and mirrors and Knick fans are stuck in an endless loop of progress and non-progress. Oddly we find ourselves in the same position we were in last year and the year before and the year before that—optimistic.