In nothing short of a dig at former coach Mike Woodson, Knicks president Phil Jackson revealed several players during exit interviews told him the club didn’t play as a team this season and relied solely on its talent.
The Knicks finished 37-45, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2009-10. During his 24-minute press conference Wednesday, Jackson didn’t mention Woodson’s name once.
“One of the messages from the players was that it was a very talented team,’’ Jackson said. “They had to have a lot of games where they forced their talent on opposing teams rather than playing with freedom to make things easy. All the wins were hard to get. They were winning with talent and not with team play, which I thought was an accurate statement.
“I think the talent’s there,’’ Jax added. “How to blend it together is a coaching decision and a personnel decision.’’
Jackson said former Bulls scout Clarence Gaines Jr. has worked for the team the past two weeks. The Post reported last week Jackson brought Gaines in to be his “eyes and ears.’’
“He’s a person I’ve been associated with a long time, has great basketball knowledge, a person we’re fortunate came on board,’’ Jackson said.
Jackson also shot down a report he hasn’t had full freedom from owner James Dolan to make the firings and hirings.
“As far as Jim Dolan’s promise or premise when I took this job that he’ll leave basketball decisions up to me, he’s been loyal to that promise,’’ Jackson said. “He’s been very true to his word to this point.’’