Mark Jackson called the Knicks head-coaching position “an incredible job’’ and seemed to suggest he would have legitimate interest despite rumors to the contrary.
The Post reported a member of his inner circle saying Jackson may be leery of a situation in which the team president is very hands-on with the coach. That appears to be the case when Phil Jackson hires his new coach, with Derek Fisher his current top choice.
Mark Jackson, who is doing the NBA Finals for ABC with Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen, said on a conference call it takes “a special personality’’ to coach the Knicks and not everyone’s “made for New York City.’’ It appeared Jackson was questioning whether Fisher or Steve Kerr, both from out of town, had the ingredients.
When asked about the fan furor that he gets the job, Jackson said: “Obviously you hear the talk even if it’s the New York Post reporting my inner circle made a statement and I have no clue because my wife and kids haven’t spoken to The Post. To counter that, it’s an incredible job. It’s an incredible opportunity and I’m sure that Phil Jackson will do an outstanding job of finding the right coach to get that organization and that team headed back in the right situation.’’
Fisher, who is from Little Rock, Ark., was asked by The Post on Sunday whether he liked New York City. He said that on his first visit as a Lakers rookie, he “locked myself in the hotel room’’ because he was fearful. Fisher added that the city “kind of grew on me.’’
Mark Jackson admitted it’s not a job for everyone.
“As a kid that grew up in New York City, a fan of the Knicks, everybody’s not made for New York City,’’ said the Brooklyn product, ex-St. John’s and Knicks star. “That’s whether you’re management, whether you’re playing, whether you’re coaching.
“To be quite honest, everybody is not built for it. It’s a different animal. It takes a special personality and a person understanding the things that come into play. I’m biased, but I thought Jeff [Van Gundy] did an incredible job juggling all of them.’’
Phil Jackson hasn’t spoken directly to Mark Jackson, but it’s believed general manager Steve Mills and assistant GM Allan Houston, who are close to Mark Jackson, have done so.
“I do look forward to coaching one day if it presents himself again,’’ said Jackson, who was fired by Golden State last month. “Right now I’m having a blast with my crew.’’
Jackson was a rare case of going from having no coaching experience to becoming head coach after only working as a broadcaster. Jason Kidd started what may become a trend of going straight to head coach immediately after the end of a playing career.
“I believe I would have been able to do it,’’ Jackson said. “Unfortunately I didn’t have an opportunity.’’