http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/56868/source-melo-would-embrace-mark-jackson

Phil Jackson is considering several factors as he searches for the Knicks' next coach.

Age is one; Phil would prefer a young coach over a retread.

Offensive philosophy is another; Phil is believed to be searching for someone with a strong knowledge of the triangle.

But there’s another factor Phil may be considering during his coaching search: Carmelo Anthony's free agency.

Anthony is expected to opt out of the final season of his contract and test free agency this summer. The Knicks can pay him $33 million more than any other suitor. But Anthony has said his top priority is competing for an NBA title. So the Knicks’ next coach -- whomever he is -- will likely factor in Anthony’s decision.

We haven’t heard from Anthony since shortly after the regular season. So we don’t know how he felt about Mike Woodson's firing or the failed Steve Kerr courtship. And we haven’t yet heard his thoughts on Derek Fisher, the odds-on favorite to land the Knicks job.

But here's what we do know: One source familiar with Anthony’s thinking on the matter said recently that the star forward would “embrace” the opportunity to play for Mark Jackson.

In no way, the source stressed, does that mean Anthony wants to play only for Mark Jackson. It also doesn’t mean he would be uncomfortable playing for Fisher or any other candidate Jackson chooses to hire.

But he would be content with the idea of playing for Jackson, who led Golden State to back-to-back playoff appearances.

In talking to people around the NBA about Jackson and the Knicks, one point that’s been made again and again is the idea that Jackson would handle the Knicks’ locker room well.

The Knicks are coming off a 37-win season in which players at times questioned the coaching staff's approach. Some players also questioned their teammates' commitment to winning. Jackson gained a tremendous amount of respect from the players in the Warriors' locker room, many of whom publicly questioned the treatment of their coach while his job was in jeopardy.

So what does that mean for Jackson's candidacy for the Knicks job? Not much, it appears.

There has been no indication Phil Jackson has any plans to interview Mark Jackson at this point. ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein reported this month that the Zen Master would be "open" to talking to the ex-Warriors coach about the job, but it is unknown if there has been any contact between them yet.

Jackson would like to hire someone he can mold, similar to the path Pat Riley took with Erik Spoelstra in Miami. He’d also like someone with a strong knowledge of the triangle offense. Mark Jackson doesn’t fit either of those categories.

But if Phil Jackson is taking Anthony’s free agency into account while searching for the next Knicks coach, should he take a stronger look at Mark Jackson?

holfresh wrote:
Aw man....

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/56868/source-melo-would-embrace-mark-jackson

Phil Jackson is considering several factors as he searches for the Knicks' next coach.

Age is one; Phil would prefer a young coach over a retread.

Offensive philosophy is another; Phil is believed to be searching for someone with a strong knowledge of the triangle.

But there’s another factor Phil may be considering during his coaching search: Carmelo Anthony's free agency.

Anthony is expected to opt out of the final season of his contract and test free agency this summer. The Knicks can pay him $33 million more than any other suitor. But Anthony has said his top priority is competing for an NBA title. So the Knicks’ next coach -- whomever he is -- will likely factor in Anthony’s decision.

We haven’t heard from Anthony since shortly after the regular season. So we don’t know how he felt about Mike Woodson's firing or the failed Steve Kerr courtship. And we haven’t yet heard his thoughts on Derek Fisher, the odds-on favorite to land the Knicks job.

But here's what we do know: One source familiar with Anthony’s thinking on the matter said recently that the star forward would “embrace” the opportunity to play for Mark Jackson.

In no way, the source stressed, does that mean Anthony wants to play only for Mark Jackson. It also doesn’t mean he would be uncomfortable playing for Fisher or any other candidate Jackson chooses to hire.

But he would be content with the idea of playing for Jackson, who led Golden State to back-to-back playoff appearances.

In talking to people around the NBA about Jackson and the Knicks, one point that’s been made again and again is the idea that Jackson would handle the Knicks’ locker room well.

The Knicks are coming off a 37-win season in which players at times questioned the coaching staff's approach. Some players also questioned their teammates' commitment to winning. Jackson gained a tremendous amount of respect from the players in the Warriors' locker room, many of whom publicly questioned the treatment of their coach while his job was in jeopardy.

So what does that mean for Jackson's candidacy for the Knicks job? Not much, it appears.

There has been no indication Phil Jackson has any plans to interview Mark Jackson at this point. ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein reported this month that the Zen Master would be "open" to talking to the ex-Warriors coach about the job, but it is unknown if there has been any contact between them yet.

Jackson would like to hire someone he can mold, similar to the path Pat Riley took with Erik Spoelstra in Miami. He’d also like someone with a strong knowledge of the triangle offense. Mark Jackson doesn’t fit either of those categories.

But if Phil Jackson is taking Anthony’s free agency into account while searching for the next Knicks coach, should he take a stronger look at Mark Jackson?

this is a non-starter please stop this madness.

But while Mark doesn't run the triangle, he does appear to have a system that creates easy shots for players - and that was part of what Phil said he was looking for.

GustavBahler wrote:

nixluva wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:So many assistant coaches in this league, has to be some of them out there who merit at least an interview. Phil should look under every rock for the right coach, not just guys who played for him. With Layden it was the Utah connection, with Isiah it was the Chicago connection, with Phil its the Triangle connection.

Would like to see the Zen Master think outside the box. I won't be angry if Jackson is hired, but I'd like to hear some new names thrown into the conversation for a change. I know Mark Jackson doesn't run the triangle, but Id like to see who else is out there.

I believe that Phil has already been looking at guys in the college ranks as well as his crop of protege's who are well vetted by him already. He knows which of his former players and assistants have good qualities and also know and believe in his beloved Triangle. So IMO that puts them at the top of the list as it should be.

Glad to hear it. Heard any names? Hope he interviews some assistants who haven't played for him as well. Leave no stone unturned.