Knicks Rumors: Stephen Jackson Wants To Join Team
New York Knicks Rumors: NBA veteran Stephen Jackson announced his retirement last summer, but is looking to get back into the league and the Knicks are one team on his list.
New York Knicks rumors continue to pop up as we head closer to training camp and the start of the 2016-17 season. The Knicks have continued adding players to the roster on partially guaranteed deals, but have 14 players on guaranteed deals, meaning someone could earn a spot on the opening night 15-man roster if they play well in preseason.
But, there are some people that believe that the Knicks will fill that final roster spot with a veteran, as they have some question marks on the team. While the talent is greatly improved on paper, on the court there are some injury concerns.
Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings are the best point guards the Knicks have had under contract in a long time, but both are major injury risks. Joakim Noah has seen his production plummet because of injuries in recent seasons, but the Knicks at least have some bodies to back him up in Kyle O’Quinn, Willy Hernangomez and Marshall Plumlee.
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Where the Knicks are a bit shorthanded is on the wing. Outside of Courtney Lee and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks do not have much to rely on. Lance Thomas has improved greatly in his time with the Knicks, but battled injuries of his own last season. Justin Holiday is unproven, while Mindaugas Kuzminskas will have a transition period from playing in Europe to the NBA.
Because of that, the Knicks could probably use another veteran on the wing capable of stepping into a shooting guard or small forward role. If they want to get a veteran, there is one that is looking for a chance in the NBA in Stephen Jackson.
Jackson is rumored to be interested in a return to the NBA, and the Knicks are one team that he would be interested in returning to. In a radio interview with HoopsHype, Jackson spoke highly of the job that Phil Jackson has done with the Knicks, and said they are a team he would consider returning to play with.
Jackson added that he would be a perfect fit with the Knicks, and likes the direction the team is heading. Jackson also said, “Anytime you can play with a great player like Carmelo Anthony and a young, up-and-coming star like Kristaps Porzingis… Also they have Joakim Noah. They are going in the right direction. I want to be part of a team that wants to win.”
Jackson, who last played in the NBA during the 2013-14 season and is now 38-years old, may find it difficult to break back into the NBA, especially with the Knicks. While the Knicks have a need on the wing, they could opt to keep that roster spot open to keep some flexibility heading into the season.
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It is something to keep an eye on, as Jackson has reportedly been courted by the Chicago Bulls’ Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler to join them out of retirement. Jackson announced his retirement from the NBA last summer but does not seem to be content with his decision and would like to give it one more go.