There we were in Chase Square within famous Madison Square Garden as flat screen TV’s teased us with vintage footage of legendary basketball player and coach Phil Jackson. The room quickly filled-up as we the media awaited the big announcement coming from the NY Knicks Organization that Jackson, a 13 time NBA champion, with 2 wins as a player at MSG, would become President of the NY Knickerbockers organization, effective immediately.
Said big boss/Executive Chairman of The Madison Square Garden Corporation James Dolan, who wants an NBA championship more than anyone, “This is someone who knows about winning. Phil has a vision for the team. As President, Phil will be in charge of all basketball decisions. Welcome home Phil.”
Dolan, son of billionaire businessman Charles Dolan, seemed eager and nervous at the same time.
“No one is more frustrated than me, he continued. It’s been a disappointing year.”
Newly appointed to the front-office as they say in an executive management position, Phil Jackson got a five-year contract.
Will the father of four, with eight grandchildren and a fiancé all based mostly out in his hometown of sunny California be giving up the sunshine for good? Not a chance. Said Jackson, “Ya know, I was home a few days ago and it was in the 80’s, and as I looked out at the water from my house I said this is nice. And then I flew in to NY yesterday and it was 28 degrees.”
He danced around it a bit but trust me kids, as committed as he is to “building a team” some of it will be done from his patio out West. He’ll be back and forth.
So how did this match in basketball heaven come together?
Mega-businessman Irving Azoff who has his little hands in everything, negotiated the deal. Said Dolan. “This deal would not have come together without Irving Azoff. Phil and I met at a party at Irving’s house last year. He shepherded the project and Phil Jackson would not be here if it wasn’t for Irving. Thank you Irving. And if it doesn’t work out I”ll blame you too.” Dolan has a sense of humor.
How’s Phil, who’s had a series of operations, hip replacements over the last years going to turn this team around? “One step at a time. I believe in system basketball.”
What about star player Carmelo Anthony?
“Carmelo is a great point shooter, a great player but he can still go to another level.”
Struggling coach Mike Goodson, staying or going?
Phil basically said we’ll see how the rest of this season goes. Goodson has got his work cut out for him right now.
In conclusion the new President told the story about how when he first got to NY someone said to him, “If you can make it hear you can make it anywhere.” He finished, “We’re gonna make it here.”
I’ll drink too that.