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Report: Phil Jackson will not coach Knicks on part-time basis next season

Knicks, Phil Jackson
Phil Will Need A Miracle - Photo: The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Jackson was rumored to be potentially considering a move to coach the New York Knicks on a part-time basis next season. However, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post, that’s not a move he’s going to make.

The rumor originated from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, who wrote Jackson could potentially coach the Knicks’ 41 home games for the 2016-17 season while Kurt Rambis coached the other 41 on the road. We wrote that such a decision would end in disaster for the franchise, and apparently we’re not the only ones who think this way.

Speaking with Jackson’s “confidant” Charley Rosen, Berman found out there is “zero chance” Jackson would make such a move:

“Phil said it’s absolutely not true — there’s no chance he’s going to coach,’’ Rosen told The Post. “It’s total fantasy — an old rumor.’’

Citing another NBA source, Berman points out health reasons being a huge barrier for Jackson to ever coach again. He’s had “two hip replacements, a knee replacement and has chronic back issues.”

It’s kind of preposterous at this point to think the legendary coach would even want to come back and endure the daily grind that comes with coaching, even if just on a part-time basis.

Then there’s the aspect of connecting with the young players of today. Carmelo Anthony, one of the key players who’d be influenced by such a potential move, squashed any notion he’d be interested in having Jackson coach the Knicks next season after the rumor broke.

“Phil ain’t coaching no more man,” Anthony said, via ESPN. “So let’s dead that rumor. Phil ain’t coaching no more.”

It seems clear at this point that the rumor just needs to go away.

The Knicks might be inclined to maybe keep Rambis on board next year as a disciple of Jackson’s triangle offensive philosophy, but it’s not like he’s done a fantastic job since being hit with the interim head coach tag.

More than likely, the franchise will be seeking another head coach to fill the spot. One thing’s for sure, it won’t be Jackson.

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