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New York Knicks: Phil Jackson’s dirty laundry continues to surface

By Ed Easton Jr.

ORLANDO, FL - JULY 2: Phil Jackson of the New York Knicks is seen during the game against Detroit Pistons during the 2016 Orlando Summer League on July 2, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JULY 2: Phil Jackson of the New York Knicks is seen during the game against Detroit Pistons during the 2016 Orlando Summer League on July 2, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Phil Jackson’s tenure as New York Knicks team president left many unanswered questions until recently as rumors continue to surface about his plans.

It’s been almost two months since Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks “mutually” parted ways and still there are rumors circulating as to what Jackson’s initial plans were after the NBA Draft. The “Zen Master” hasn’t officially commented on any of the following pieces of information floating around the media, but considering his presidential history they don’t seem too far-fetched.

A story recently published in the New York Daily News by Stefan Bondy focused on the Knicks surprising pass on point guard Dennis Smith Jr. in the draft. It was rumored that New York was heavily interested in the former North Carolina State stand-out, even holding a private dinner with him and Jackson. The details of the dinner were never discussed until Smith decided to tell his side of the story to reporters at his rookie card photo shoot.

"“We went out to some restaurant and they had me eat some octopus, like an actual octopus tentacle, First time ever. I wasn’t going to try it, honestly. They kind of put the pressure on me to do it.”"

It’s unclear if whether or not Smith’s hesitation to try octopus tentacles was an important factor in Jackson’s decision as he decided to go with Frank Ntilikina eighth overall. Smith is now a member of the Dallas Mavericks riding high after an electrifying Summer League turning many heads around the league as the possible steal of the draft.

Ntilikina is still an unknown around the league after missing summer league with a bruised knee further teasing the Knicks of what could have been while watching Smith dominate. Malik Monk who went on to be drafted by the Charlotte Hornets was also highly rumored to be going to the Knicks after an impressive work out in front of Jackson. “I actually thought the Knicks would take me,” said Monk to reporters after the draft as his college coach John Calipari continued to push for a spot in New York.

"“I wanted Malik in New York because I thought he would light it up. It would be back on, But they must’ve liked the French kid. I’ve not seen him enough, but I hear he’s really good.”"

The other bombshell that almost came true was Jackson looking to deal forward Kristaps Porzingis for a top two pick in order to draft Lonzo Ball. Jackson had made it known a few days prior to the draft that Porzingis was on the block as a possible piece to acquire picks. Long time NBA writer Peter Vescey revealed this plot recently during an interview expressing Jackson’s strong desire to initially make it happen. Quotation below transcribed by Matt Couden at The Inquistr

"“People knew, they probably wouldn’t have accepted, but Phil was angling to try to trade Porzingis for the No. 1 pick to Boston and he would have taken [Lonzo] Ball, That’s who he was after. In the end, people might really like that.”"

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Ball was impressive in summer league but I do believe Knicks are content with keeping Porzingis for the long haul. Jackson’s plans continuing to be revealed throughout the off-season will make it seem as if he never really ever left.

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