Mark Jackson appreciates Rick Pitino's endorsement for the Knicks coaching position, praising his discerning eye.
The debacle of the Knicks' search for a new coach has reached new heights, with former coach Rick Pitino suggesting they hire Mark Jackson – a seemingly blackballed coach who hasn't graced the court in over a decade. Surprisingly, Jackson expressed gratitude for Pitino's endorsement, dubbing him a "legend" and his "Coach."
Jackson won the NBA Rookie of the Year under Pitino's tutelage in 1988 and went on to enjoy a stellar career, which includes being an All-Star the next season. "I'm forever grateful. He's Coach to me," Jackson declared on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
Currently, the Knicks' hiring search has been marred by barriers, preventing President Leon Rose from speaking with several high-profile coaches, such as Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka, Chris Finch, Quin Snyder, and Billy Donovan. Meanwhile, the Knicks are expected to interview ex-Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and former Kings coach Mike Brown, though neither has responded to interview requests[5].
Though Jackson's name hasn't been explicitly linked to the Knicks, Pitino took to social media earlier this week to push for Jackson's return, stating that he would "love to see the Knicks bring Mark Jackson home." Indeed, a reunion with the Knicks would be a homecoming for Jackson, a Brooklyn native who enjoyed a 17-year career with the team.
Jackson coached the Golden State Warriors from 2011-14, playing a pivotal role in transforming a losing team into a contender. However, he was shown the door after compiling a 121-109 record and two playoff appearances[3]. Since then, he's worked in broadcasting with ESPN until 2023[1][4]. Despite being out of the coaching game for over a decade, his connection to the Knicks and his impressive track record with the Warriors could make him a formidable contender for the job.
On another note, the Post reports that ex-Villanova coach Jay Wright and UConn's Dan Hurley have opted out of the race for the Knicks' position, despite the presence of former Wildcats on the team[2]. Potential candidates for the Knicks' vacancy include Michael Malone, Frank Vogel, Mike Budenholzer, Detroit assistant Luke Walton, and Cleveland assistant Johnnie Bryant, who worked as Thibodeau's associate head coach from 2020-24[2].
Mark Jackson, who won the NBA Rookie of the Year under Coach Rick Pitino's tutelage in 1988, could make a formidable contender for the New York Knicks' coaching position, despite being out of the coaching game for over a decade. Pitino, a "legend" to Jackson, recently expressed his desire to see Jackson return to the Knicks, a team Jackson considers his home as a Brooklyn native who enjoyed a 17-year career with them.
