New York Knicks: James Dolan Will Not Fire Phil Jackson

Though the New York Knicks haven’t been playing at the highest possible level, owner James Dolan will let Phil Jackson’s contract run its course.

When Phil Jackson was named team president of the New York Knicks in 2014, a rare sense of optimism surfaced. The title drought wasn’t expected to end immediately, but Jackson brought 13 NBA championship rings with him to The Mecca.

Unfortunately, Jackson has yet to deliver a postseason appearance after two completed seasons as team president.

Jackson has given New York a bright future with the likes of Kristaps Porzingis, Willy Hernangomez, Kyle O’Quinn, and Mindaugas Kuzminskas. He’s also on his second full-time head coach and signed Joakim Noah to a maligned four-year contract.

During a recent appearance on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN New York 98.7, Knicks owner James Dolan stated that he won’t fire Jackson. Per RealGM:

“I’m going to honor [Jackson’s contract] for the full agreement,” said James Dolan.

Dolan hasn’t committed to bringing Jackson back once the contract expires, but he’s clearly committed to seeing this experiment all the way through.

Entering Friday, Feb. 10, the Knicks have accumulated a record of 71-147 in three seasons under Jackson’s regime. New York is 22-32 in 2016-17 and is on pace to complete a third consecutive season without a postseason appearance.

For a Knicks team that hasn’t won a championship since 1973, missing the playoffs altogether is a tough result to stomach.

Fortunately for Jackson, Dolan is going to let his contract run its course in order to give The Zen Master a chance to realize his vision.

Porzingis has done a solid job of building for the future with promising young players whom most have overlooked. He’s also struggled to manage the Knicks’ salary cap by giving out hefty contracts that could prove detrimental in the long-term.

Regardless of how you feel about Jackson as team president, Dolan has come to a decision about his future with the team.

Phil Jackson will be under contract through 2019. Hopefully he and Carmelo Anthony can mend fences if they aren’t going to rebuild the New York Knicks.