In addition to consulting basketball dieties—and seeking their forgiveness for the team’s play this season—New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson says there’s a “clear plan” in place for the 2015 offseason.
We will rebuild a team that fits together-guys that want to compete and play the way bball gods approve.#groundup
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) March 30, 2015
The Zen Master laid out his vision and promises in a letter and video message sent out Monday to Knicks season ticket holders, and sold the dream of a winning squad at Madison Square Garden in the near future.
The Knicks, owners of the NBA’s worst record (14-60), will have some $25 million in cap space to spend on free agents this summer.
“While I know this has been a challenging season for our team on the court, I can also tell you that everyone in the organization is working tirelessly to get our Knicks back to a place where we are once again competing at the highest level,” Jackson said in a video message obtained by ESPN New York that doubled as a pitch to season ticket holders to renew for the 2015-16 season.
“We have made key roster moves to free up significant cap space that will provide us greater flexibility to acquire talent in this summer’s free agency,” Jackson said. “And for the first time in many years, we expect to have a top pick in the NBA Draft this June. These are key steps to building a roster of players that have both the talent and character to win in New York and who, alongside Carmelo Anthony, will become a team that can become a consistent winner.”
“Despite the disappointing 2014-15 season, we are steadfast in our resolve to do what is necessary to deliver on our ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to New York,” Jackson said. […] “We have a clear plan and expect our efforts to take really take shape as we enter the 2015 draft and free agency in the months ahead,” Jackson said in the video. “I ask that you remain optimistic and hope you will join us on our continued journey as we build a team that once again reflects the spirit of being a New York Knick.”
