The Knicks have already beaten Mark Jackson once since he became Warriors head coach. They stole center Tyson Chandler away from Golden State earlier this month.
Tomorrow, the Knicks will try to make it 2-0 over their former point guard. The Knicks beging their three-game Western trip in Oakland. It should be a sentimental night for the Queens playmaking legend, facing his hometown team for the first time as NBA head coach.
During his introductory press conference, Chandler admitted the Warriors were his second choice, partly because of his desire to play for Jackson.
In a conference call yesterday with New York writers, Jackson couldn’t say enough niceties about the Knicks new addition.
“ We believed we were very close in getting him,’’ said Jackson, whose NBA coaching debut Sunday night turned into a 105-86 loss to the Clippers. “It would’ve been a tremendous get. He’s a true professional, high-character guy. He could’ve been the face of the defense. We went after him hard. Ultimately the end of the day, financially and the opportunity to play in New York City won out. He’s a guy we really went after and thought the world of. He’s a class guy.’’
Chandler rejected 6 shots in his Knick season debut Sunday. Jackson envisioned that interior presence in the Oakland interior. The Warriors have been porous defensely for years.
“ Look what he did in Dallas, he’s an anchor, holds guys accountable,’’ Jackson said. “He’s a guy you can trust to be voice of locker room and does not accept anything less than 100 percent.’’
Jackson also missed out on the Knicks head job three years ago, losing a close race to Mike D’Antoni. Avery Johnson and Jackson were runner-ups. Jackson won’t get a chance to coach at MSG this season because of the 66-game sked.
“Because of my faith, I believe if I don’t get it, it wasn’t meant for me,’’ said Jackson, a former Knicks draft pick out of St. John’s. “It would’ve been great but it didn’t happen. They got themselves a very good basketball coach.’ ‘
Jackson said he nearly cried Sunday moments before tip-off, overcome by seeing his wife sitting next to the Warriors owner Joe Lacob and his kids sitting behindtise bench. “I was about to shed a tear and regroup,’’ Jackson said. “I’m.not embarrassed or ashamed to cry. Real men do. It’s been a long ride and tremendous sacrifices were made across the board.’’
Jackson was turned down for a handful of head positions, because he took an unorthodox path, choosing the broadcast both over toiling as an assistant coach. Jackson feels his glorious point-guard career was enough qualifications.
“Like I’ve said, Jason Kidd was more important to (Dallas coach) Rick Carlisle than any assistant on his staff, Steve Nash was more important to anyone on the Phoenix staff,’’ Jackson said. “At the end of the day, great point guards are an extension of a coach.’’