Knicks, Phil Jackson mutually agree to part ways
The era of Zen in the Big Apple is officially over.
After three uninspired seasons, the New York Knicks and Phil Jackson have mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced Wednesday morning.
"Phil Jackson is one of the most celebrated and successful individuals in the history of the NBA. His legacy in the game of basketball is unmatched," owner James Dolan said in an official statement. "We wish him the best and thank him for his services to the Knicks as both a player and an executive.
"While we are currently evaluating how best to move forward regarding the leadership of the organization, I will not be involved in the operation of the team. Steve Mills, the team's general manager, will run the day-to-day business of the organization over the short term. Tim Leiweke, who brings tremendous expertise and experience in sports franchise management from both Toronto and Los Angeles, and is our partner in the Oak View Group, will advise and work with Steve on an interim basis to help develop a go-forward plan."
Dolan had been weighing Jackson's future as president of basketball operations, with the two having reportedly discussed a potential parting of ways Tuesday.
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With so much negativity surrounding Jackson and the franchise, including his quickly dissolving relationships with stars Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, as well as his unwillingness to abandon his trademark triangle offense, it reportedly became obvious to the Knicks' higher-ups that something had to be done.
It was at the end of this past regular season when the Knicks and Jackson agreed to exercise the final two-year, $24-million option on his contract, which would then take him through the end of the 2018-19 campaign. It was clear, though, that he had no intention to stay on past then.
Jackson's option being picked up came despite the fact that the team had just put together yet another losing record under his regime, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference at 31-51. In fact, the Knicks failed to qualify for the playoffs once with Jackson in charge, compiling a 80-166 record in three full seasons while never finishing less than 10 games back of the eighth seed.