The New York Knicks finalized a five-year $60 million deal to bring Phil Jackson into their front office, and to Los Angeles Lakers big man Pau Gasol, he is worth every penny.
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"I think the Knicks are fortunate to have him," Gasol, who played under Jackson from 2008-11 told ESPN on Tuesday after the Knicks officially introduced Jackson. "I know they gave him a big contract and a big investment, but I think he's worth every cent of it."
Gasol admitted that after three trips to the NBA Finals under Jackson, which included two championships, it is weird to see Jackson come over to the east coast.
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"It's weird," Gasol said, according to ESPN. "It's weird to see him with a Knick logo behind him in the picture today. But I know he's in a good place."
Gasol said he spoke with Jackson regularly since Jackson retired from coaching in 2010-11. Jackson won 11 NBA titles as a coach and two as a Knicks player, but Gasol said the contact between the two will have to be limited due to Jackson's new role and Gasol's impending free agency.
"Apparently we can't really talk to each other from now on since I'm going to become a free agent and he's an executive for another team, so it's under rules that we can't communicate," Gasol said via ESPN. "He can be penalized. So, our communication has been cut off until July 1."
Jackson joins the Knicks, who have struggled to a 27-40 record this season after owner James Dolan pegged them a championship caliber team in the preseason. The Knicks have rattled off six victories in a row, but remain five games out of the loss column behind the Atlanta Hawks for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Jackson will look to help the franchise bounce back from a tough 2013-14 season over the next five years.
The Lakers have known about struggles this season as the team will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2005 and are currently 22-40 on the campaign.
It remains to be seen if Jackson can turn the Knicks around, but in Gasol's eyes the Knicks will get every cents-worth out of their new front office acquisition.
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