Skip to content

Marbury still believes Knicks can find success with Jackson, Melo, Rose

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

At least one person still has faith in the New York Knicks.

Since hiring Phil Jackson as team president in March 2014, the club hasn't made the playoffs or won more than 32 games in a season.

And yet, ex-Knick Stephon Marbury still believes New York can be successful with Jackson at the helm.

"I think it can change (with) commitment and time," Marbury told Marc Berman of The New York Post. "Coaching - get a guy like Phil Jackson, you expect the coaching to change right away and things to change right away. Ultimately it takes a lot of time. With him as leader and making decisions, they're in a great place in having someone like that."

Related: Knicks intend to honor Jackson's contract 'all the way to the end'

The 40-year-old spent five years in the Big Apple before he was waived in 2008 due to differences with the head coach at the time, Mike D'Antoni. He knows all about the pressure of playing with a big-market team.

"It's New York - it comes with it," said the two-time All-Star, who attended Sunday's loss to the Toronto Raptors. "If you can't deal with it, you leave. If you lose, they talk about you. When you win, they love you. Real New Yorkers know that."

That pressure's been taking a toll on the players, especially star Carmelo Anthony, whom Jackson has reportedly been trying to run out of town. However, Melo has two years and $54 million remaining on his deal, which includes a no-trade clause.

Marbury thinks Anthony has been handling the tumultuous situation "great," and shouldn't run away from it.

"I don't think he should seek a new home. From what I hear, he wants to play basketball here," said the guard, who's been playing in China and plans to retire after next season.

In fact, contrary to what many believe the Knicks ought to do - that is, blow it up and rebuild around up-and-coming star Kristaps Porzingis - the retired NBA player thinks the centerpieces in N.Y. should be Melo and embattled point guard Derrick Rose.

"They have to build around him and Rose. They're two talented players. They're not old. They still have a lot inside of them," Marbury said.

The Knicks acquired Rose, along with several other players, last offseason in hopes of ending their playoff drought. That didn't work out, with Jeff Hornacek's men boasting the league's 25th-ranked defense and 19th-ranked offense, as well as the sixth-worst record overall.

Of many problems both on and off the court, the triangle offense has been a large point of contention. While Jackson seems hellbent on the team running the triangle, several players have spoken out against it, including Anthony and Rose, who'll enter free agency this summer.

Related - Jennings: 'I didn't really understand the triangle' with Knicks

Starbury admitted he actually likes the triangle, and thinks the Knicks should stick with it.

"Guys like Melo who request the ball in certain positions and spots - they knew this before they gave him all the money they gave him," he said. "Mix the two components together - the triangle and his style - it may take until next year."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox