The New York Knicks are rumored to be considering native New Yorker Mark Jackson as the first hired coach in the Phil Jackson era.
Though Jackson has his Golden State Warriors poised for their second straight playoff appearance, reports are if the team doesn't advance to at least second round of the playoffs he could be on the hot seat come season's end.
Phil Jackson takes over as face as Knicks
While Jackson's personality is viewed by some as too big for the powers-that-be in Golden State that very ebullience would be seen as a plus under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
Still, the Warriors currently sit as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference and former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy is among those rallying to his defense. "Look at the results," Van Gundy told the New York Post. "They were horrible before he came, now they are excellent. He has developed players. They defend.
"If the media has a problem with winning, then I guess the alternative is to lose again like they did for the previous 15, 20 years. I don't understand what there is to complain about, seriously.''
The Jacksons' history is rich. The Warriors coach recalls his many battles against Jackson's Bulls teams featuring Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
"Just knowing him going against him and having Scottie Pippen on orders to harass me, foul me, grab me every time coming up the court,'' said Jackson. "Then giving those same orders to Kobe. I just know him from competing against his teams and as a fan watching his work as a young Knick fan in 1969, 1973. I remember those days.''
Steve Kerr and Derek Fisher are also rumored to be candidates for the job.
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