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New York Knicks need to hire Mark Jackson as their next head coach

By Ed Easton Jr.

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors addresses the media before facing the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors addresses the media before facing the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The recent dismissal of New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek opens the door for a perfect reunion with hometown favorite Mark Jackson.

The New York Knicks coaching tenure of Jeff Hornacek abruptly came to an end after the team’s season finale victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. In only two seasons, Hornacek managed a dismal 60-104 record and was unable to successfully infuse his style of play during either the Carmelo Anthony era or Kristaps Porzingis-led attack.

The Knicks floundered under Hornacek with constant switches in ideologies and game plans, from former team president Phil Jackson pushing the triangle to Hornacek’s lack of personnel able to execute strategies.

It seemed as if the Knicks were readily awaiting tank mode by February rather than pushing to become contenders in the Eastern Conference. Veterans and young players suffered through the losing as no clear plan ever presented itself throughout the season and rotations lacked any synergy or cohesion.

The Knicks headed into Cleveland with little to play for, but plenty of questions for the coach then just considered on the hot seat.€ Hornacek addressed the media before Wednesday’s victory focusing on the constant rebuilding strategy as his excuse for consecutive poor seasons.

"“€œYou can’t expect a rebuilding situation and go out there and win 50 games. That’s why they call it rebuilding. But when you mention rebuilding you’re still trying to win games. Do the little things, teach these guys. Coaches who have been in the league, been on good teams, bad teams, I think the guys have done a great job of sticking together continuing to play. It’s easy to get down when you know you’re not making the playoffs and you’re out of it. These guys haven’t. They want to get better. It may not set you up for this year but you lay the foundation and continue to work at it. At some point it’s going to blossom. That’s the hope you keep working at it and all of a sudden it pops.”"

The Knicks quickly moving on from Hornacek opens the speculation for the team’s next hire. A popular option will definitely be hometown favorite Mark Jackson, who played college basketball for St. John’s University and started at point guard for the Knicks during two different stints in his NBA career. Jackson was last seen coaching the Golden State Warriors one year away from their breakout championship season in 2015.

Jackson is currently the lead national color commentator for the NBA on ESPN/ABC, teamed with Knicks’ local lead play-by-play man Mike Breen and former Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy. The New York City native was rumored as a candidate two seasons ago after Derek Fisher‘s dismissal and could see a stronger Knicks pursuit this time around.

Jackson’€™s former player in Golden State and current Knicks point guard Jarrett Jack shared his thoughts recently in an interview with the New York Post.

"“€œI do believe and I am surprised he hasn’t been back in the league, I think one thing you judge people on is the body of work in front of them. If you look at the body of work — what he did three years there.€” I think he matches up with any coach anywhere. I’€™m not saying you should hire him here, but he should be considered for any job. I think he’€™s got the wherewithal to execute no matter what the situation.“He’™s a player’s coach. You know what I mean? Straight up and down, the long and short of it. I thought he just spoke the language of the players. It just seemed if he was able to still play, he still would be playing. That particular coaching staff played these games after almost every practice and got so competitive. The way he rolled, maybe that comes from being in the environment most of us are from the€” inner city. He spoke and talked to us like equals. He used a lot of the language we used. It was different. But I thought it helped in a lot of different ways.€™”"

The Knicks will be licking their wounds from another lost season, but need to capitalize on their young point guard core. The emergence of young rookie guard Frank Ntilikina and comeback efforts of Emmanuel Mudiay and Trey Burke are reasons for optimism moving forward. The addition of Jackson adds one of the greatest point guards of all time as a mentor to these young players essentially polishing their skill-sets.

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Hopefully New York will act quickly before the NBA Draft Lottery in May and acquire Jackson as their next coach. It would be a shame to hear the famous quote of “There goes that man” on another team’€™s bench calling plays starting next season.

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