Everybody is trying to figure out the what the problem for the Knicks is this season. Scottie Pippen knows who’s in charge of this disappointing season.
This Knicks team will go down in history by not making the playoffs with one of the most talented rosters. The Knicks are currently 28-47 and clinched their fourth straight no playoff appearance. There is no way that the Knicks should have been this bad.
Former Knick players, ex-Knicks coaches, and President Phil Jackson are trying to figure out the main problem. Somebody finally spoke up about the issue. This time the blame was not on the players. Scottie Pippen blamed Jackson for this cruelty. Pippen played for Jackson with the Bulls, won six NBA championships and made seven All-Star teams.
Pippen does not think Jackson put the right pieces together as he told Rachel Nicholas on the Jump. Since Jackson took over, the Knicks are 87-167 (.343).
“I’M GOING TO HAVE TO GO WITH MY OLD COACH PHIL JACKSON. I THINK HE JUST HASN’T PUT THE RIGHT PIECES ON THE FLOOR,” PIPPEN TOLD ESPN HOST RACHEL NICHOLS, WHO EVENTUALLY ASKED THE SIX-TIME CHAMP IF JACKSON IS THE ONE WHO SHOULD BE OUT IN NEW YORK.
Pippen gives Carmelo Anthony a lot of credit on how professional he’s been this season.
Via Quotes: (transcription via the New York Daily News).
“I GIVE A LOT OF CREDIT TO CARMELO WHO IS BEING VERY PROFESSIONAL IN GETTING THROUGH THESE 82 GAME SEASON. AND NOW HE’S BEING BENCHED TO SOME DEGREE; THEY’RE TAKING A LOT OF HIS MINUTES AWAY. BUT THIS TEAM JUST HASN’T HAD IT. THEY HAVEN’T HAD IT SINCE PHIL JACKSON LANDED THERE. THERE HASN’T BEEN ANY UPSIDE.”
After saying “fans would love to see Carmelo in New York and Phil out,” Pippen was asked by host Rachel Nichols if he believes Jackson “should be out.”
“Yes,” Pippen replied emphatically.
There are still no signs that Jackson will opt out of his presidential contract in the offseason. Last time Jackson spoke to reporters in September, he said he didn’t plan on opting out.
Pippen continued…
“THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY UPSIDE TO THINK THAT THE NEW YORK KNICKS WERE GOING TO BE A CONTENDER,” PIPPEN SAID. “I JUST FEEL BAD FOR CARMELO HAVING TO GO THROUGH THIS AND HAVING TO DEAL WITH IT, BUT HE GOT A GREAT CONTRACT, SO . . . I’M SURE THE FANS WILL LOVE TO SEE CARMELO IN NEW YORK AND PHIL OUT.”
Former Knick player Benard King is disappointed that Phil Jackson has not properly constructed an elite roster to surround Melo.
