Phil Jackson urges Knicks fans to remain patient: 'We have a clear plan'
In case you've been living under a rock, Phil Jackson's first season as the New York Knicks' chief executive has not gone well. You might even say it's fallen flat on its face.
With eight games to play, the Knicks have already lost a franchise-record 60 games and, while they've suffered some unfortunate injury luck, Jackson's stewardship has done little, if anything, to inspire faith in his ability to right the ship.
But it's faith he's asking for from Knicks fans - specifically from season ticket holders - as he prepares to embark on a massive restoration project in the second year of his five-year, $60-million contract as Knicks president and general manager.
"While I know this has been a challenging season for our team on the court, I can also tell you that everyone in the organization is working tirelessly to get our Knicks back to a place where we are once again competing at the highest level," Jackson told season ticket holders in a pledge-to-renew video message obtained by ESPN's Ian Begley.
"We have made key roster moves to free up significant cap space that will provide us greater flexibility to acquire talent in this summer's free agency," Jackson said. "And for the first time in many years, we expect to have a top pick in the NBA Draft this June. These are key steps to building a roster of players that have both the talent and character to win in New York and who, alongside Carmelo Anthony, will become a team that can become a consistent winner."
We will rebuild a team that fits together-guys that want to compete and play the way bball gods approve.#groundup
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) March 30, 2015
Jackson, with all the cache his famed Eleven Rings bring to the table, was hailed as a savior of sorts when he was brought on. Will he ultimately be another false prophet, like Isiah Thomas, Larry Brown or Donnie Walsh before him?
Jackson is asking for time.
"We have a clear plan and expect our efforts to take really take shape as we enter the 2015 draft and free agency in the months ahead," he said in the video. "I ask that you remain optimistic and hope you will join us on our continued journey as we build a team that once again reflects the spirit of being a New York Knick."