New York Knicks: Firing Josh Longstaff is another Knicks shortcoming
By Eric Snyder
Phil Jackson chose to send assistant coach Josh Longstaff packing instead of increasing his role as some expected. Clearly, this is a message to Kristaps Porzingis.
The New York Knicks continued their “Make Kristaps Porzingis Mad” world tour this weekend. Phil Jackson led a meeting with Porzingis’ agent/brother and apparently, it didn’t go well. To compound his ineptitude, Jackson then parted ways with assistant coach Josh Longstaff.
Stefan Brody of the New York Daily News reported the news Sunday night. Assistant coaches at times are much like basketball nomads: riding the wind to various jobs until they find their niche. Assistants come and they go. Yet, the firing of Longstaff came as a surprise for various reasons.
Josh Longstaff was one of those assistants who looked to have found a home with the Knicks. His work in player development and relationship with Porzingis made him a player favorite.
Unfortunately, what the players think matters little to Phil Jackson. This fact was further proven by the firing of Longstaff in the face of a silent protest from Kristaps Porzingis.
Who is Josh Longstaff?
Josh Longstaff began as a player development coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder and built solid relationships with both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. When Derek Fisher was hired as the Knicks’ new head coach, he brought Longstaff over from OKC.
In his time with the Knicks, Josh Longstaff was credited with helping develop Lance Thomas, Langston Galloway, Willy Hernangomez and Ron Baker. For a team that will see a youth movement in the coming years, Longstaff was expected to play an important role in the Knicks’ future.
What does it mean?
Phil Jackson believes he is doing the right thing for the future of the New York Knicks. However, he is the only one who sees any logic to what he is doing. First, Phil completely alienated Carmelo Anthony by making him the scapegoat for an awful season. Now, he has sent a middle finger to Porzingis by firing his favorite assistant.
In the case of Carmelo, a trade is very possible and much-needed. For Porzingis, a trade is out of the question. In other words, Phil and Porzingis are stuck with each other for at least a few more years. The burden is now solely on Phil Jackson to be the adult and bridge the gap between him and Latvia.
There is no doubt that Phil Jackson sent a message to the Porzingis’ camp in the firing of Josh Longstaff. Similarly, Porzingis sent a message to the Knicks by asking for Longstaff to coach him on the Latvian national team.
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These two messages are at odds with each other, as are the two men. Phil’s reasoning for the staff change is unknown at this point. Whatever his reasons, they aren’t worth further angering the foundation of the Knicks’ future.