PHILADLEPHIA – Knicks GM Steve Mills was there. President Phil Jackson wasn’t.
Mills broke his silence Friday at shootaround at Wells Fargo Center, but a Knicks public-relations staffer broke up the impromptu interview after three questions.
Mills, who hadn’t spoken to the media the entire regular season, said he’s “disappointed” at the Knicks’ results this season, but there’s still time to improve.
Jackson is back in Los Angeles and will rejoin the club on its West Coast trip, which starts against the Lakers in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Mills said he’s been speaking with Jackson by phone.
“I’m just looking forward to it,’’ Mills said of working with Jackson. “We have a lot to look forward to next season. But the most important thing — we’re obviously disappointed how our season worked out — but we have an opportunity to make the playoffs and make a strong push.”
Jackson was introduced as team president at a press conference Tuesday and sat at the podium with Mills, whose president title was stripped. Mills didn’t give opening remarks at the press conference, and was not asked a question during the Q&A. Mills gave an interview Wednesday night to James Dolan’s MSG Network during the Knicks telecast.
Jackson received a standing ovation during the Pacers game as he sat with a friend at midcourt.
“It’s a great partnership and great to work with him,’’ Mills said. “It’s exciting to have him. It was great, the fans responded well and our team responded well, too.’’
The Knicks didn’t extend the contract of small forward Earl Clark after his second 10-day contract expired. Coach Mike Woodson said Jackson played a role in the decision. The Knicks did sign combo guard Shannon Brown for the rest of the year. Brown played two seasons for Jackson in L.A.
“It didn’t work out for (Clark),’’ Woodson said.
The Knicks have one roster spot, and may leave it open. They are relatively healthy and still hoping Kenyon Martin and Andrea Bargnani rejoin the team soon. The Knicks can’t sign a player who has been cut by another team and have him on their playoff roster. Making the postseason is still a long shot, as they’re four games out of the eighth seed.
The Knicks could sign a D-League player to audition for next season.