With Phil Jackson missing out on his number one coaching target in Steve Kerr, the search continues for the Knicks. Phil is reportedly interested in a young coach that he can mold. That’s why we heard Kerr’s name and we’re not hearing names like George Karl and Jeff Van Gundy.
According to ESPN, Jackson is eyeing some of his former players such as Luke Walton, Tyronn Lue and maybe even Derek Fisher.
Three candidates who will thus receive consideration from Jackson, sources said, are Luke Walton and Tyronn Lue — former players under Jackson who have already begun their coaching careers — as well as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Derek Fisher — if Fisher elects to stop playing after this season as he has hinted.
Sources said Jackson also intends to explore whether the Denver Nuggets are in any way amenable to releasing Brian Shaw from his contract in exchange for some form of compensation. Shaw is a longtime Jackson favorite who, after missing out on numerous head-coaching jobs, just completed his first season with the Nuggets, posting a 36-46 record despite numerous injuries to front-line players.
What, was Smush Parker unavailable?
If you’re Carmelo, would you want to play for any of those guys at this stage of your career. Seems like Phil isn’t too concerned with retaining Melo.
H/T: ESPN
