After an interview with MSG’s Al Trautwig, there’s only one conclusion one can draw: New York Knicks boss Phil Jackson‘s actions are jaw-dropping.
In Phil Jackson’s defense, there’s no excuse for Kristaps Porzingis bailing on his exit interview. (Don’t get used to hearing the word defense associated with Jackson or his team that has ranked 28, 18 and 25 in the league in that category the last three years respectively.)KP has tremendous upside and there are a ton of reasons to be excited about the possibility of him tapping into that superstar potential. Jackson even referred to him as a “unicorn” in his exclusive interview with the MSG network, a sign that the 2015 No. 4 overall pick could mature into an incredibly special player.
But despite Porzingis’ poor and irresponsible decision-making, it doesn’t warrant him to be dealt by the Knicks.
Here are Phil's full comments regarding the Porzingis trade rumors. Doesn't sound too good. pic.twitter.com/aEVIlT0vtB
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) June 22, 2017
Trading KP would be a sign of coaching malpractice and ineptitude that is a cause for immediate termination. Along with the entire fan base boycotting games and showing up to the Garden with signs that bellow so loudly James Dolan hears the noise in his chambers, Phil should have to turn in his ID and the keys to what would be his old office.
“As much as we love this guy, we have to do what’s best for the club,” Jax nonsensically told Al Trautwig during the interview, as if ridding yourself of a 16/7/2 versatile 20-year old is in the best interest of a franchise in clear rebuilding mode.
The Knicks have a fundamental problem in the front office. It’s contagious and sabotaging their chances of escaping the harsh realities of what feels like permanent purgatory.
Remember when the Zen Master was brought on board to set the captive free and turn water into wine? That hasn’t even come close to manifesting itself, as his stubbornness and obsession with antiquated systems have the Knicks no closer to relevancy than they were prior to his arrival.
“I think we know what we’re doing,” Jackson said when asked about his message to fans exuding apprehension.
Here’s a friendly reminder that NY is 80-166 in Phil’s first three full seasons at the helm. This doesn’t sound like someone who is well-equipped to reverse their fortunes. It actually reeks of an individual still carrying strictly cash on the EZ-pass only highways.
The only plausible scenario for moving KP would be if you were blown away by a deal that netted you high-end picks and versatile wings. Otherwise, phone calls shouldn’t be answered and voicemails shouldn’t be returned.
For those keeping score at home, the executive being paid $60 million over five years is responsible for the worst season in franchise history, trading away Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith (key cogs in that 54-win season) and doling out an unprecedented no-trade clause to an aging star on top of a max-contract.
The best thing he’s done since taking over was drafting KP and somehow he’s found himself on a first-class non-stop flight to messing that one up. Not to mention, Phil has been unwavering in his desire to diminish any trade value Carmelo Anthony has by publicly trashing him.
Is there a glimmer of hope? Absolutely. The Knicks will be on the clock with the No. 8 pick in Thursday night’s NBA Draft and could end up with a quality, impact player.
But if we did learn one thing during this era, it’s to never doubt Phil Jackson. And for the reasons that would have made us to reluctant to do so when “all he does is win” was the theme song for Mr. 11 rings.
We never thought Porzingis would be anywhere near trade rumors, but “hold my beer” Phil was right on cue.
Maybe Jackson will shock the world and lead the Knicks back to greener pastures. Or maybe he’ll be too busy arguing with the state trooper about how effective his payment method at toll booths was for decades. But either way, what an unmitigated disaster this has been.
