Phil Jackson Leaves the New York Knicks with Baggage That Is Unknown

Feb 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills look on during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Just a week after the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks parted ways with President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson. After issues with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, this move was much needed.

Yesterday, the New York Knicks ousted Phil Jackson from his role as President of Basketball Operations, a move that was no doubt necessary to make. But, was it too late?

The timing of the move is strange.

Just a week ago, Executive Chairman James Dolan and the Knicks allowed Jackson to make a critical decision in the organization’s rebuilding process; drafting a lottery pick.

Jackson selected foreign guard Frank Ntilikina with the eighth overall pick. The 18-year-old Frenchman averaged 5.5 points per game in the French Pro A League.

The Zen Master reportedly chose Ntilikina because he fit the triangle. However, with his firing, a new offense is likely to be implemented.

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Ntilikina of France holds up a team jersey after being introduced as the number eight overall pick to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

There are a lot of question marks surrounding the 6’5 point guard. Despite his youth and mediocre statistics overseas, Ntilikina profiles as an above average defender with the potential to be a solid rotational player for years to come.

With a lottery pick, you are usually looking for a player who can make an immediate impact. There should be potential for that player to blossom into a starter for years to come.

NC State guard Dennis Smith Jr. and Kentucky’s Malik Monk were still on the board when Ntilikina was picked. With those two high-profile and successful college players available, the thought was that the Knicks would be able to snag a potential star.

However, Jackson elected to go with a relatively unknown player. He took a similar strategy drafting Kristaps Porzingis a few years ago, and now “the unicorn” is a star for the organization.

Mar 23, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) during the first half of the game at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Jackson strike gold twice?

If Ntilikina pans out and becomes a star, Jackson will be credited with the cornerstones of the Knicks’ rebuild. If he doesn’t pan out, then Jackson basically “screwed the pooch” and the Knicks are left with a bust of a draft pick.

Next: New York Knicks Part Ways with Phil Jackson

I cannot stress how important this draft was. Aside from Porzingis, the Knicks have lost out on first round picks the past few years because of the Carmelo Anthony and Andrea Bargnani trades.

We can only hope that Jackson was right about Ntilikina. Otherwise, the Knicks’ rebuilding process will be delayed till next year’s draft.

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