Photo Credit: USATSI
The New York Knicks hiring of Phil Jackson as President of Basketball Operations sent shock waves through the NBA. With the Knicks missing the playoffs just one year after being the number two seed in the Eastern Conference, Jackson has no shortage of holes to fill this off-season. He has already begun thinking about next season, reaching out to former player Lamar Odom in an attempt to see what Odom has left in the tank.
First, it is extremely likely head coach Mike Woodson will not be back. Jackson will have to find a coach that provides stability for a Knicks organization that has been awfully shaky in recent years. That’s another thing, new coaches and new players will provide change but the culture of the Knicks needs to change too.
Perhaps the biggest question mark is what will happen with Carmelo Anthony. Even Jackson may not be able to convince the All-Star forward to stay in a Knicks uniform. The allure of New York and more money may not keep Carmelo around either.
Without Carmelo, the Knicks have over $67 million in salary for the 14-15 season. Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Andrea Bargnani combine for nearly $50 million. To make matters worse the Knicks have no first round picks in the 2014 draft (the Denver Nuggets own their pick).
Jackson must also decide what to do with J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert. The team is in need of a true point guard. Raymond Felton led the team is assists, averaging 5.6. Tim Hardaway Jr. is an interesting piece. He showed flashes of potential while averaging just over 10 points.
Knicks fans will certainly see a revamped roster regardless of whether Carmelo stays or goes. It will be a process, as any rebuild is, but Jackson will certainly do his part in attempting to make the Knicks championship contenders once again.
