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New York Knicks Should Move On From Phil Jackson Says Scottie Pippen

By Kenneth Teape

Apr 23, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls former player Scottie Pippen (center) looks on during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs game between the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls former player Scottie Pippen (center) looks on during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs game between the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Scottie Pippen believes that the New York Knicks should dismiss Phil Jackson from the team.

The New York Knicks are always a topic of discussion no matter how poorly they are performing on the court. They are talked about on a daily basis on sports shows despite having one of the worst records in the NBA. Everyone seems to have an opinion about the organization, whether it be Phil Jackson‘s standing with the team, Carmelo Anthony, or the roster building in general.

The latest person to throw out his opinion was Scottie Pippen. Pippen is an interesting person to hear for because he played under Phil Jackson with the Chicago Bulls and found a lot of success alongside Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman.

Often, former players and coaches have stood by Jackson. Pippen went in the other direction when appearing on ESPN’s The Jump Thursday. Pippen was critical of Jackson, saying the blame for the state of the organization should rest on his shoulders while speaking highly of Anthony when asked what he thought about the Knicks.

"“To be honest with you, I’m gonna have to go at my old coach, Phil Jackson.”“I just think he hasn’t put the right pieces on the floor. I give a lot of credit to Carmelo, who has been very professional in getting through this 82-game season, and now he’s being benched to some degree, they’ve taken a lot of his minutes away.”“But this team really just hasn’t had it,” Pippen added. “They haven’t had it since Phil Jackson landed there.”"

Saying the Knicks haven’t had it would be an understatement. Jackson has had four different head coaches since taking over about three years ago. First season at the helm the Knicks had the worst season in franchise history, losing 65 games.

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The Knicks have not yet sniffed the playoffs with Jackson leading the way, compiling a record of 77-162 thus far. Jackson has had plenty more misses than hits in his time with the Knicks, and Pippen thinks it is time for the two to part ways.

The one surefire positive he has provided is in the draft. The Knicks have all of their draft picks going forward and Jackson has done well, finding talent there and overseas thus far. He selected Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez in 2015.

The Knicks did not have a pick in last season’s draft but did well in the undrafted free agent market, signing Ron Baker and Marshall Plumlee. Chasson Randle and Mindagaus Kuzminskas also look to be potential role players as well.

But, the poor decisions far outweigh the positive ones. That is part of why Pippen believes that Jackson should be shown the door by the Knicks.

"“There has not been any upside to think that the New York Knicks were gonna be a contender, and I just feel bad for Carmelo having to go through this and having to deal with it, but he got a great contract, so …” Pippen said amid laughter from his panelists, adding, “I’m sure the fans will love to see Carmelo in New York and Phil out.”"

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Pippen is not the only one that would like to see Jackson leave New York; there are a lot of fans that share the same sentiment. But, James Dolan has said that he would honor his agreement with Jackson so do not expect a move to come anytime soon.

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