https://basketballherald.com/2019/10/29/knicks-targeting-mark-jackson-to-potentially-replace-david-fizdale/First of all, the notion that Jackson should have been the first choice is a self-perpetuating sentimental narrative. Some would point to Budholzer. My first choice would have been Monty Williams.
Secondly, if there is going to be a move, and Jackson is proffered the gig, taking it in mid-season would be insanity on Jackson's part, let alone the Knicks, as he'd be perceived, surely by me anyway, as a turncoat in the coaching profession, undermining a fellow professional.
Thirdly, what's the point of taking over in mid-stream without a summer's prep, your own people?
Fourth, Knicks fans and media, in the throes of a feeding frenzy, are short sighted assholes.
Fifth, did I mention that Knicks fans are assholes prone to throes of instant gratification?
Nor do I exempt myself. Sixth, Jackson's falling out in Golden State came from hard hardheadedness and a willful refusal to play ball with a corporate entity and high handedness with his own staff--yeah, that'll play well with James Dolan.
Seventh, consider the asshole factor yet again, and how many times the Knicks have gone down the savior route (Larry Brown/Phool Jagoff anyone?).
Eighth, making Fizdale walk the plank and leaving the power structure INTACT which hired him in the first place solves nothing.
Ninth, Dolan has never been unwilling to toss loads of money in the general direction of players, coaches, infrastructure, and yet, we seem to keep making the same mistakes over and over.
Tenth, the charm, the players are supportive of Fizdale, and as charismatic as a Mark Jackson might be, scapegoating Fizz for a roster he was gifted with, and for the growing pains of said players, not even a month into the fucking season as the coaching staff is still sorting out rotations and combinations, does not address short term let alone long term issues--the players need to own their own performances, and tonight against the Hornets, another transitional team, after their previous post-Porzingis letdown, will be telling.
Eleventh, things sometimes have a way of working themselves out, such as how Dennis Smith finally found his mojo and his rhythm after a brutal start to the season, complicated by injuries and the loss of his Step-Mother.
Twelfth, it is too damn soon to have this discussion, not even a fucking month into the season, as any review of coaching should go hand in hand with a review of the players come next spring, assuming we miss the playoffs, vis a vis which free agents get re-upped, which get cut loose, pre-draft analysis, free agent evaluations, new coaching staff. WHICH IS NOT TO SAY THAT FIZDALE IS THE MAN, OR THAT WE ARE ENDORSING/SIGNING OFF ON HIS DECISIONS, BUT THAT THIS WAS
THE COLLECTIVE CORPORATE PLAN GOING INTO THE SEASON, AND ANY REVIEW THAT DOES NOT GO FROM TOP TO BOTTOM IS A SHAM.
And thirteenth, if Dolan remains in charge, and this is maybe the most profitable, highly valued franchise in sports, what really changes?
The author of this screed has no credibility, so feel free to tune into the broadcast frequency of your choice, such as Dawg Central, and switch off RADIO FREE CHIP.