The Phil Jackson-to-the-Knicks Rumors Have Begun

Frankly, I’m shocked it took this long (all of two days!) for the storyline to make its way to a major media outlet. The NY Post, as always, steps up: “According to an NBA source, Jackson is definitely through with the Lakers, but would not rule out him coaching again in the NBA. ‘If the right situation presented itself, he would have to consider it,’ the league source said. The Knicks could be the right situation in 2012, even if they are not on the verge of adding a third star in Chris Paul to go along with Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. In the past, Jackson, who won two championship rings as a Knicks forward, has flirted with coming back to the Garden, talking up his desire to follow in mentor Red Holzman’s footsteps. Jackson, who is still best friends with Bill Bradley, interviewed with Isiah Thomas and James Dolan for the position in 2005 but passed, instead rejoining the Lakers. Knicks president Donnie Walsh is committed to coach Mike D’Antoni through next season, when his contract expires. If a bored Jackson makes himself a free agent, the Knicks would be a strong candidate, especially since Dolan would be the likeliest owner to lavish Jackson with a massive contract.”