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New York Knicks: Willis Reed Wants Phil Jackson to Coach

By Nick Ziegler

Dec 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on during a stop in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on during a stop in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks have had a disappointing season, but former player Willis Reed believes that it could be better with Phil Jackson as the head coach.

With the All-Star break here, the New York Knicks have had a disappointing first half of the season. Despite a lot of talent on the team, they have underperformed.

With players like Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, and Kristaps Porzingis, not many thought the Knicks would be out of the playoffs at this point in the season. As a team, they have shown glimpses of what they can be. However, there has been no consistency.

In a recent interview with Marc Berman of the New York Post, Knicks legend Willis Reed talked about that the Knicks would be better if Phil Jackson was coaching the team.

"“Unfortunately for us as Knicks fans, if Phil Jackson had been coaching all year, we would’ve won more games,’’ Reed told The Post. “His toughness and ability to make guys concentrate, that’s what I loved about him as a coach. He got guys to play harder and smarter.”“When I was a young player, the most impressive coach for me would’ve been Red Auerbach because of his record,’’ Reed said. “Same thing with Phil Jackson with his record in Chicago and L.A. I’d want to play for Phil Jackson. He’s got a history with Kobe, Jordan, and Shaquille and made them champions.”"

One of Jackson’s failures with the Knicks has been the inability to find a head coach. They have had four since Jackson got here, and none have worked out. For a coach, one of the most important things is to get the most out of your players. That is something that we have certainly not seen this season.

"“We don’t get the best out of the talent all the time. When a guy plays, are you getting him to play with 90 percent of his talent level or all of it? You can get carried away in wanting to score and not make the team better.’’"

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At his age, Jackson has shown zero interest in coaching again. As one of the best coaches of all-time, the Knicks likely would be better with him on the sideline. However, that doesn’t appear like it will happen.

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