Jan 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; NBA coach Phil Jackson (left) and actor John Lithgow watch the game between the UCLA Bruins and the Arizona Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Despite having made a name – and a long list of achievements – for himself in Los Angeles with the purple and gold, Phil Jackson looked homeward for a return into the league. After weeks of endless speculation, Jackson is set to join the Knicks front office in some capacity.
We've got breaking news on @PhilJackson11! He will be joining the @NYKnicks front office. Tune in to @NBATV now.
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 13, 2014
While his role is yet to be determined, bringing in a respected figure like Jackson is indeed a smart maneuver. Jackson most recent return to the league involved his very near-return to the sidelines last season. However, we know how that turned out, with the Lakers spurning Jackson in the 11th hour in order to (controversially) hire Mike D’Antoni. Since then, Jackson’s role with the team was nothing more than a consultant, but is non-existent at this point.
In the case of the Lakers, Jackson has never taken a front office role before, so it’s uncertain how this will play out for him and the Knicks. What is known is that even the younger generation of superstars appreciate and respect the 11-time champion. For New York, a franchise whose direction was unclear heading into this summer, bringing in Jackson will help clear the fog.