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New York Knicks: What to do with veteran Jarrett Jack

By Kenneth Teape

PHILADELPHIA,PA - FEBRUARY 12: Jarrett Jack #55 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Wells Fargo Center. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - FEBRUARY 12: Jarrett Jack #55 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Wells Fargo Center. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks point guard Jarrett Jack lost his rotation spot to a numbers game. What is the next for the veteran?

The point guard position has been an issue for the New York Knicks for what feels like forever. Year after year it seems like the Knicks are looking for an answer to lead their team. After many seasons of trying to find quick fixes, the Knicks finally invested in the position in the 2017 NBA Draft.

With the No. 8 overall pick, New York selected Frank Ntilikina. The international prospect wasn’t well known by fans, but he was oozing with potential. Despite adding Ntilikina, a veteran was still needed to teach the youngster the ropes of being an NBA player.

Ramon Sessions was expected to fill that role. He lasted only two games as the starter before giving way to Jarrett Jack. Jack signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Knicks right before training camp on Sept. 15.

On a non-guaranteed deal, he was a long-shot to make the roster. The suspension for Joakim Noah probably helped him, as the Knicks could keep an extra player on the roster. That player was Jack and they were happy that it was.

Jack tore his ACL with the Brooklyn Nets in January 2016. As a result, he played only two games during the 2016-17 season with the New Orleans Pelicans. He was given another chance with New York and he made the most of it.

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Jack has been solid with the Knicks all season. He’s started 56 games, providing a steady hand in the backcourt. Jack averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game. While his stats aren’t eye-popping, he did what was asked of him and succeeded in doing so.

However, all good things come to an end. For Jack, that time has come. With the Knicks’ playoff hopes being dashed by Kristaps Porzingis‘ injury, a youth movement has begun in the Big Apple.

In addition to Ntilikina, New York also acquired younger point guards in Trey Burke and Emmanuel Mudiay. Burke was signed on Jan. 14 out of the G League. Mudiay was acquired in a three-team trade with the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks.

With four point guards on the roster, decisions had to be made with the lineup. While Jack has been solid, it was an easy call for head coach Jeff Hornacek. In the two games since the All-Star break, Mudiay has been inserted into the starting lineup, while Jack hasn’t played a single minute.

The decision to remove Jack from the rotation had to be difficult, as he has been the consummate professional. He earned the starting spot, but he is unlikely to be in the team’s future plans, so giving the younger players minutes to gain experience is what’s most important.

It is a decision that Jack seems to understand. Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News shared some quotes from Jack about it.

"“Obviously I’d like to be on the court, but I think they’re allowing some of these younger guys to get some opportunities to show where they’re at amongst the other guys in this league and it’s coach’s decision,” Jack said. “We were in Orlando [for a game last week] and he said we’ll move in that direction. It’s not for me to have an opinion on it.”"

Jack is a good mentor for the younger players. He has filled numerous roles in his career and has some playoff experience as well. Jack has a lot that he can share with the youngsters, and they would be smart to listen.

Sitting isn’t easy for anyone to do. Look at what the Knicks had to deal with in Noah earlier this season. Jack is accepting of the role, but if he wants minutes, he is unlikely to receive them in New York unless there are a number of injuries.

One course of action could be asking for a release from the team. That would give Jack the opportunity to latch on with a contending team. It is something that he has considered, but isn’t sure he will ask for.

"“I’ve never done it before to jump from one team in the middle of the season to a playoff squad. I know that’s what other guys have done. To be honest, I don’t really know,” Jack said. “Maybe I do need to sit down and look at a list of what my best possible options are. But as of today I’m with the Knicks and want to help in any capacity I can.“"

Jack is saying all of the right things, but it is clear he wouldn’t be opposed to a change. If that is what he ultimately wants to do, it would be a request the Knicks should accommodate.

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Jack would need to be released by Thursday to be eligible to play in the postseason, and with no clear path to playing time and no guarantees beyond this season, the Knicks should do the right thing and waive Jack if that’s what he wants.

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