Phil Jackson on Knicks: 'My experiment has fallen flat on its face'
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson said his "experiment has fallen flat on its face" in his first season with the team, Harvey Araton of The New York Times reports.
Before the season, Jackson said he believed the team could contend for playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but the Knicks have struggled this season. While they have won five of their last seven games, the Knicks are 10-38 on the season.
After dealing guards Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith to the Cleveland Cavaliers last month, Jackson took responsibility for the team's disappointing season and reiterated his comments to Araton.
"Like nothing I’ve seen before," he said of the Knicks’ first 41 games, of which they lost 36, a half-season of hell. "So far, my experiment has fallen flat on its face."
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While the Knicks are set to have cap space to sign multiple high-profile free agents this summer, Jackson said his rebuilding plan takes more into account than big names.
"You do need great players to win the championship, but having to always chase the best talent in free agency eventually becomes a mind-set of, well, the best talent wins as opposed to who plays the best team basketball — which is what San Antonio showed last season," Jackson said.
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With Carmelo Anthony dealing with an injured knee, first-year head coach Derek Fisher has dealt with a talent-barren roster. The Knicks lost a franchise record 16 straight games earlier this season, prompting fans to call for Fisher to be fired.
The Knicks are a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers for last place in the Eastern Conference. They host the Celtics on Tuesday.
- Paul Palladino
