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Report: Phil Jackson's lack of preparation stunned free agents

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Just when you think Phil Jackson's run as the New York Knicks' president of basketball operations couldn't have been any more disastrous, new details emerge to shed more of a light on what was a tumultuous time in franchise history.

When it came to dealing with players during the offseason, Jackson reportedly put in little effort - at least on occasion - for his meetings with free agents, undoubtedly turning off those who could strengthen his roster.

"I heard some horror stories about Phil in presentation situations with players - unprepared, just disorganized," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said on his latest podcast, as transcribed by NBC Sports' Dan Feldman. "And sometimes, he’d have Steve Mills in there, who'd try to re-direct him. But I know of a couple players who walked out of meetings in a couple different free-agent scenarios and, 'Wow, that was Phil Jackson? That's not how I imagined he'd be.'"

When the Knicks were working out prospects ahead of the 2017 draft, Jackson was apparently falling asleep, further illustrating his lack of enthusiasm for the position.

Jackson and the organization mutually agreed to part ways just days after the draft. The Knicks failed to qualify for the playoffs once under his regime, going 80-166 in three seasons.

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