Phil Jackson: Knicks have 'loser's mentality'
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson criticized his team on Monday, saying the squad has a "loser's mentality," according to The New York Post.
Jackson's Knicks are currently 4-18, which is the third-worst record in the league behind only the 76ers and Pistons. Speaking to the media on Monday, Jackson -- who is in his first year in his new role with the team -- expressed his disappointment at the attitude of some players on the team. From the Post:
"Obviously, we’re disappointed," Jackson said, noting players have bought in for the most part, though the 11-time coaching champ suggested some – whom he did not name – have resisted. "I think guys understand what we’re trying to do. Hopefully, they’re getting to be more compliant. There’s some resistance to discipline and order and culture change and things like that."
The longtime NBA coach said the team has a "loser's mentality" because it has been unable to finish games. Since Nov. 30, the Knicks have lost five games by seven points or fewer, including its three most recent defeats by four points or fewer.
• Power Rankings: Knicks move toward the bottom
Jackson said the team isn't counting out a playoff run quite yet, though he also acknowledged that the team's poor play could deter potential free agents from signing with the Knicks during the offseason. From the Post:
"Yeah and I’m not happy about that," said Jackson, who wants current players to show the system works – no matter how long it takes. "We have players that are part of our long term that must consistently perform at a level in this system of offense to demonstrate that they’re progressing and what the advantages are to what we’re doing."
The Knicks play at the Pelicans on Tuesday before traveling to San Antonio to face the Spurs later this week.
- Stanley Kay
