<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">May 8, 2005 -- Former NBA great Earl Monroe has been outspoken regarding the Knicks, and his statements yesterday were no exception. At the National Tennis Center for the USTA Tennis Block Party, Monroe dispelled the notion Phil Jackson will coach the Knicks, and endorsed Herb Williams. Monroe, Jackson's Knick teammate from 1971 to 1978, expects Jackson will soon announce his second tenure with the Lakers. "I guess I feel like he's pretty much made up his mind where he's going to go," Monroe said. "It's just a matter of time before he makes that public." When informed yesterday's Post reported Jackson was still considering the Knicks, Monroe suggested the Knick job is undesirable to a coach with championship aspirations. "I think [Jackson] would rather go somewhere to prolong his legacy, rather than to end it," he said. Monroe then took a veiled dig at Knick management, opining that the team could win with its current cast if the front office would stop making changes and allow the players to grow accustomed to playing together. </div> Source
Yea, i read this earlier. Ive read that Phil was quoted in saying Any team that had Kobe on it could win a championship. I havent heard nor would i expect him to say the same about Stephon Marbury, or any other knick for that matter. The Knicks have a good amount of talented players, problem is a few of them seem to have "Me First" attitudes (I dont think i need to say who). Phil knows Kobe's work ethic and he doesnt have to worry about him gaining 60pds or his performance waining on poor conditioning or a stubbed toe. Make the smart choice phil....go to a losing team that will remain a losing team no matter what(Knicks) or go to a losing team that has a chance to make some moves that your familiar with(Lakers). Bottom line, i see the triangle(phils bread n butter) working much easier in LA then in NY looking at the rosters currently.
Tex Winter's Opinion Tex Winter isnt completely sold on the Phil-Lakers reunion. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"Tex Winter, Phil Jackson's longtime assistant with the Bulls and Lakers and inventor of the triangle offense, rated the Zen Master's chances of winding up back in Los Angeles as "a little better than 50-50." The Lakers are Jackson's first choice, but that doesn't mean negotiations will result in an L.A. return, according to Winter, who spoke with Jackson last week. Winter, 83, believes if the negotiations with the Lakers fall apart (an industry source says Jackson has had no formal interview with L.A.), Jackson may wind up with the Knicks." New York Post</div> source
