Mark Jackson slams Phil Jackson's tenure with Knicks

Former New York Knicks guard Mark Jackson held no punches when discussing Phil Jackson's handling of the Knicks organization over recent years.

In a conference call to promote the upcoming NBA Finals, of which Mark will be part of the broadcast crew, the ex-Knick referred to the past three years of Phil's leadership as a "failure," according to ESPN's Ian Begley.

"I can also look at the numbers and say that as the guy running the New York Knicks, he's done a poor job," Mark continued.

Mark was particularly critical of Phil for his handling of superstar Carmelo Anthony.

"(Phil) is going about it the wrong way trying to force (Anthony) out," Mark explained. "He has all the power and he's taking full advantage of it."

Though candid, Mark's critique isn't too far off-base. Since coming on as team president in March of 2014, the Zen Master and the Knicks have become more of a league laughing stock than anything else.

While the list of negative news under Phil is lengthy, some poignant issues include New York owner James Dolan beefing with Knicks legend Charles Oakley, Phil himself referring to LeBron James' business and social circle as a "posse," and the horrid 80-166 record the Knicks have amassed under the head coach's three-year tenure.

Whether things get any better isn't clear, either. Power forward Kristaps Porzingis, whom Phil drafted in 2015, skipped an interview with New York's front office, reportedly out of frustration with the direction and management of the team.