The New York Knicks continue to be a whirlwind of rumors and speculation. Yesterday, it was reported that recently fired and former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt would be in consideration for the same role this offseason.
Today, the New York Post is reporting that Blatt would be a “long-shot” to take on the job:
A source told The Post Blatt would be a long shot — unless Jackson decides to start passing the torch to GM Steve Mills, who played in the same backcourt at Princeton as the former Cavs coach. Blatt, an Israeli coaching legend, was an usher at Mills’ wedding, and The Post reported last June Mills has brought his name up to owner James Dolan in the past. It would be a neat compromise, if Jackson is to leave after next season as his contract allows.
According to this report, the hiring of Blatt would hinge on Phil Jackson’s attachment to the team. There has been speculation that the team president would leave after next season, whether to join the Lakers or for any other reason. If that is true, he may be open to the idea of stepping away and letting the Knicks hire Blatt.
Another issue may be Jackson’s seemingly (and alleged) obsessive idea of keeping current interim head coach Kurt Rambis on board. With Rambis running Jackson’s preferred triangle system and reportedly being somewhat of a puppet to the former legendary coach’s wishes, his long-term hiring has seemed almost inevitable for some time.
There can be a compromise, however, as the New York Post also reports that regardless of the title, Rambis will likely have some sort of role within the Knicks organization. That can include a job as an assistant to whomever is hired as the head coach or a job in the front office directly under Jackson.
Whether Kurt Rambis is Knicks head coach for the last time Tuesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse hasn’t been determined. What has been determined is Rambis will return in some capacity next season — whether as offensive coordinator or assistant general manager, according to sources.
This seems to be a fluid situation with multiple parties vying for multiple people to assume the role of head coach for the Knicks next season. Blatt is a more qualified coach, but his media presence in New York as well as Jackson’s seemingly incessant need of a coach to run the triangle may be major roadblocks in his road to securing the job.
Nevertheless, compromises may be reached and this could still be a scenario that unfolds over the summer.
