Phil Jackson to the Knicks in 2012? Don’t rule it out.
According to an NBA source, Jackson is definitely through with the Lakers, but would not rule out him coaching again in the NBA.
“If the right situation presented itself, he would have to consider it,” the source said.
The Knicks could be the right situation in 2012, even if they are not on the verge of adding a third star (Chris Paul) to go along with Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire.
In the past, Jackson, who won two championship rings as a Knicks forward, has flirted with coming back to the Garden, talking up his desire to follow in mentor Red Holzman’s footsteps.
Jackson, who is still best friends with Bill Bradley, interviewed with Isiah Thomas for the position in 2005 but passed, instead rejoining the Lakers. In 1999, Jackson met wtih former Garden president Dave Checketts.
Knicks president Donnie Walsh is committed to coach Mike D’Antoni through next season, when his contract expires. If a bored Jackson makes himself a free agent, the Knicks would be a strong candidate, especially because Dolan would be the likeliest owner to lavish Jackson with a massive contract.
According to a league source, health likely won’t prevent 65-year-old Jackson from making a comeback in 2012-13 after taking a season off, though he has entertained the idea in the past of having a co-coach to make things easier.
The source said Jackson’s hips are no longer an issue and he is considering knee-replacement surgery and a weight-loss program this summer to alleviate leg problems.
“Phil’s going to have to find a way to keep himself occupied and fulfilled because Jeanie [Buss, Jackson’s girlfriend] is not retiring,” the league source said.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ marketing chief and daughter of owner Jerry Buss, told The Post on Feb. 12 that Jackson’s return to the Knicks would “bring him full circle.”
“I can tell you he was open to going to the Knicks in 2005, then the Laker job opened up,” Buss said in February before Jackson made what may be his last Garden appearance as coach.
“The Knicks job would bring him full circle and I wouldn’t stop him. I am in New York several days every month for business. That being said, the Knicks have a very good coach and are doing very well. So it shouldn’t matter.”
Speculation on Jackson’s future is in full gear after the Lakers ended their reign in despicable fashion: a four-game sweep in Dallas culminated by Sunday’s 122-86 Game 4 massacre.
Though Jackson announced months ago this was his last season, he stopped short of saying definitively he has coached his last game.
“I haven’t answered that, have I?” Jackson said coyly Sunday.
He added, “All my hopes and aspirations are this is the final game I’ll coach. This has been a wonderful run.”
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Walsh held his first NBA Draft/free-agent meetings yesterday with his entire scouting staff.
The Post has reported exclusively that Walsh is closing in on a contract extension, possibly of two years. Walsh, who has gotten assurances Isiah Thomas will never be rehired, has been amidst talks with Dolan for two weeks.
“I think everything is good,” one person familiar with the situation said.