Category: New York Knicks Blog

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No, Phil Jackson is not going to name himself new Knicks coach

No, Phil Jackson is not going to name himself as new Knicks coach

The coaching search is on in New York, and the best possible candidate has already been eliminated.

Phil Jackson won’t be hiring himself to coach the Knicks.

Two days after firing Mike Woodson, Jackson reiterated Wednesday that he won’t be returning to the bench, despite the fact that even fiancee Jeanie Buss told him he should.

But Jackson, who retired from coaching in 2011 after winning an NBA-record 11 titles, said his body isn’t up to doing the job.

“Jeanie Buss was here with the Board of Governors last week and stayed through the weekend, and tried to encourage me to coach the team. And if there’s anyone that can encourage me to do anything, it’s Jeanie Buss. But I was able to withstand her arguments the whole time,” Jackson said at the Knicks’ training center.

— Associated Press

Ed Manetta named Director of Sports Programming for Barclays Center in Brooklyn NY

Ed Manetta has been named Director of Sports Programming for Barclays Center. He will spearhead the programming of the BROOKLYN HOOPS college basketball and BROOKLYN BOXING franchises, along with college hockey, high school sports and new sports properties.

Manetta has more than 25 years of experience in the sports industry, including serving as Director of Athletics for St. John’s University and DePaul University. Most recently, Manetta served as Managing Director at Fastlane Communications where he created the first ever digital channel for high school sports and led the programming efforts for a minor league baseball complex. Prior to Fastlane, Manetta worked for MSL Sports and Entertainment and Edelman Worldwide.

Manetta is also currently an adjunct professor at both Iona College and St John’s University.

“Ed’s extensive experience in major college athletics and professional sports will help us expand our great programming for Barclays Center,” said Sean Saadeh, SVP of Programming for Barclays Center. “Our college basketball and major boxing franchises have been successful during our first 19 months, and we are excited to continue to bring the best to Brooklyn.”

“I am honored to be part of such a thriving sports and entertainment venue,” Manetta said. “Barclays Center has captured Brooklyn, the City of New York and the nation as one of the most popular and exciting sports destinations in the industry today. I am proud to be joining the team and I am looking forward to contributing to the growth of the arena’s programming.”

Raised in East Northport, Long Island, Manetta received his undergraduate degree from St. John’s University and his graduate degree from Fordham University. Manetta and his wife, Debra, reside in Larchmont, NY and have children Lindsey, Nicole and James.

New York Knicks fire Mike Woodson and entire coaching staff

New York Knicks President Phil Jackson announced today that the team’s coaching staff have been relieved of their duties, effective immediately.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike Woodson and his entire staff,” Jackson said. “The coaches and players on this team had an extremely difficult 2013-14 season, and blame should not be put on one individual. But the time has come for change throughout the franchise as we start the journey to assess and build this team for next season and beyond.

“Everyone in this franchise owes a great deal of gratitude to what Mike and his staff have done. We wish him the best.”

In parts of three seasons with the Knicks, Woodson compiled an overall record of 109-79 (.580) that included two consecutive NBA Playoff appearances and an Atlantic Division title – the team’s first in 19 years. On Mar. 19, 2014, he became just the seventh coach in franchise history to reach the century mark in victories. Initially named Knicks interim head coach with 24 games remaining in the 2011-12 season, Woodson completed his ninth season at the helm of an NBA franchise, posting a record of 315-365.

The search for a new coaching staff will begin immediately.

NY Liberty guard Leilani Mitchell not playing 2014 WNBA season

Veteran guard Leilani Mitchell has notified the New York Liberty that she will forgo the 2014 WNBA season and spend the summer in Australia.

Below is a statement from Mitchell on her decision:

“This past offseason I played in Australia. In addition to enjoying playing here, I have been able to get to know and spend time with relatives on my mother’s side, that I either had not met before or just have not been able to spend much time with. It has been such a blessing getting to know them and also learning more about my roots and family background.

While the decision has been very difficult, I have decided to stay in Australia for the summer to continue to spend time with my family and train with the national team in preparation for the World Championships. I will miss my teammates and the entire Liberty family, especially the fans, and wish everyone the best of luck when the team returns to Madison Square Garden.”

Knicks sign Lamar Odom

Knicks sign Lamar Odom

New York Knicks President Phil Jackson announced today that the team has signed forward Lamar Odom for the remainder of the season, which ends tonight. Though multiple reports state that the deal is a two year deal, with the first season ending tonight, and next season nonguaranteed.

Odom has been the subject of very negative drug-related rumors for the better part of a year now. His marriage to Khloe Kardashian fell apart for that reason, according to virtually every gossip news outlet in existence. It makes sense that Odom’s deal is so short. This gives the Knicks a chance to get to know him and see if he’s fit for a contract next season.

Odom, 6-10, 221-pounds, holds career averages of 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 33.4 minutes in 961 games (684 starts) over 14 seasons with the L.A. Clippers, Miami, L.A. Lakers and Dallas. He appeared in two games for Baskonia (Spain) this season and last played in the NBA for the Clippers during the 2012-13 season, averaging 4.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists over 19.7 minutes in 82 games (two starts).

The Queens-native, was originally selected by the Clippers after his sophomore season at the University of Rhode Island in the first round (fourth overall) of 1999 NBA Draft. He is a two-time NBA champion (2009 & 2010) with the Lakers, and was on the Bronze-medal winning team with USA Basketball in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. In addition, Odom was the 2011 NBA Sixth Man of the Year and was an NBA All-Rookie First Team selection in 2000.

Carmelo Anthony out with shoulder tear

Here’s the New York Daily News reporting on Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks failed to qualify for the NBA playoffs, and Melo’s season has ended slightly early now with an injury:

If Carmelo Anthony indeed has played his final game as a Knick, this is a doubly painful way for his time in New York to end.

The pending free agent was shut down by the going-home Knicks after an MRI on Tuesday revealed he has a small labrum tear in his right shoulder.

Anthony bypassed surgery after he was diagnosed with a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his left shoulder one year ago. The Knicks said he’s also not expected to require surgery for this injury and will be reevaluated in a month.

“Obviously, he knew it was bothering him when he hurt it a few weeks ago,” Mike Woodson said. “But he hung in there with us and tried to make this last push to get in the playoffs.”

Anthony, who has stated plans to opt out of his contract this summer and test free agency, arrived at Barclays Center just before 7 p.m. But he did not address reporters before the Knicks’ penultimate game of the season against the Nets.

Knicks have legit shot at making the playoffs

Here’s the New York Post reporting on the Knicks, who despite their disappointing win-loss record have a very good shot at qualifying for the playoffs:

Knicks have legit shot at making the playoffs

It’s down to one.

With Atlanta in freefall, the Knicks are lucky to be alive. And so they are very much, closing to one game of the final playoff spot with a 89-84 upset victory in a surprising defensive struggle over the Warriors at Oracle Arena, when they shut down Stephen Curry twice in the final 30 seconds.

The Knicks used rare gritty defense and a 15-0 run late in the second quarter to keep their postseason dreams alive. They had lost 10 of their last 11 games in Oakland before rising to the challenge — and bottling up Curry on the final possession.

“Our defense finally stepped up,’’ coach Mike Woodson said.

The Knicks moved to 2-2 on their five-game West Coast trip. With eight games left, the Knicks finish up the Western trip Monday in Utah. The Hawks face the Sixers.

Knicks get blown out by Suns, 112-88

Here’s the New York Daily News reporting on the Knicks, who despite their 30-43 record still have a shot at making the playoffs:

In the immortal words of Phil Jackson, “just awful.”

That phrase, uttered by Jackson following the Knicks’ dreadful performance against the Lakers Tuesday night, applies to just about everything Mike Woodson’s team did on Friday night. From Raymond Felton’s defense to the Knicks’ idea of being in a playoff race, Mike Woodson’s team continues to make a compelling case for why it doesn’t deserve a postseason berth.

“We weren’t ready for them,” Carmelo Anthony said following the Suns’ 112-88 victory. “We weren’t prepared for them and they ran us out of the gym. We didn’t fight. We didn’t have it and they had it in all aspects of the game.”

The Knicks (30-43) have now lost three of their last four and are now two full games behind the Atlanta Hawks with nine games remaining starting with Sunday against Golden State.

“If you ask me, I think we can win all nine games,” said Amar’e Stoudemire, trying to sound optimistic.

Metta World Peace reportedly interested in returning to Knicks

Here’s the New York Post reporting on former Knicks forward Metta World Peace, a veteran who at this point in his NBA career would be best given limited minutes off the bench as a defensive stopper:

ron artest

It was equivalent to a job interview. Metta World Peace, who lives in Beverly Hills, ran up to Phil Jackson’s Staples Center suite during halftime from his courtside seat for a chat Tuesday night during the Knicks’ 127-96 blowout loss to the Lakers.

World Peace is more than a month removed from a Knicks buyout — one he wouldn’t have asked for had he known the Zen Master was waiting in the wings as team president.

World Peace has told confidants he yearns for a second chance as a Knick after his first stint went sour. When asked if the former Ron Artest wants another shot at New York when he’s a free agent this summer, the confidant told The Post:

“Abso-bleeping-lutely.’’