New York Knicks' team president Phil Jackson fires Mike Woodson: Will he take over as coach, and can he keep Carmelo Anthony in New York?
Phil Jackson is the greatest ever NBA coach, so when it comes to his judgement regarding a coaching failure, many would simply agree with it. However, it's been clear for all to see that Mike Woodson was not the man for the job, and if the New York Knicks are to keep Carmelo Anthony this summer then they will need to make some changes, starting with the coach. Will Phil Jackson himself take over as coach, or will he use his expertize to find the right man for the job?
The struggling Knicks finished 37-45, but they had the second-highest payroll, and the blame was always going to fall on Woodson if things didn't go to plan. Things were so bad that Carmelo missed the playoffs for the first time in his 11-year career, which is hardly the way to make New York an appealing place for him to remain. Also, the Knicks won 17 fewer games than the season before, which no evident reason for such a dramatic fall in form.
Perhaps the only bright spot of this season was the hiring of Phil Jackson as team president. Many believed it would give the Knicks the chance to keep Carmelo and perhaps lure an elite coach to New York. Some are still hoping that now Jackson is invested in the team, and their movement, that he would consider becoming the coach himself, but is that an option?
Phil Jackson explained their decision, saying "The coaches and players on this team had an extremely difficult 2013-14 season, and blame should not be put on one individual. But the time has come for change throughout the franchise as we start the journey to assess and build this team for next season and beyond. Everyone in this franchise owes a great deal of gratitude to what Mike and his staff have done. We wish him the best."
Who will replace Woodson, and can the Knicks convince Jackson to coach again, and ultimately keep Carmelo as a Knick?