I've seen a whole bunch of Phil Jackson and other coaching news everywhere. Instead of making tons of threads that will be hard to all track down, I thought there should be one thread devoted to all the news about Phil Jackson and the rest of them. I'll update it every day with the latest news on them. <u><font size="2"><div align="center">Saturday, April 23, 2005</div></font></u> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Isiah Thomas officially entered the Phil Jackson sweepstakes yesterday and has scheduled a meeting with the legendary coach for sometime within the next 10 days, a person close to Jackson told the Daily News. The same source, who on Tuesday in Chicago revealed that Jackson was leaning toward returning to the Los Angeles Lakers, told The News Jackson had accepted the Knicks' invitation but declined to say where and when the much-anticipated sit-down would take place. The Knicks, Lakers, Trail Blazers, Timberwolves and Cavaliers are all in the running to hire Jackson, the one-time Knicks forward who won six titles coaching the Chicago Bulls and three with the Lakers. Jackson has not said publicly whether he wants to coach again next season. He already has met with Lakers officials about returning to the team following a one-year hiatus. Jackson's girlfriend, Jeannie Buss, is a Lakers executive and the daughter of team owner Jerry Buss.</div> <div align="center">New York Daily News</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <u><font size="2"><div align="center">Sunday, April 24, 2005</div></font></u> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Before Phil Jackson would agree to coach the Knicks or anyone else, he would want to know a team is committed to winning now, willing to spend to win and also willing to give him the final say on players, his longtime friend and biographer, Charley Rosen, told Newsday... That the SuperSonics haven't re-upped Nate McMillan might be a sign they're waiting for Jackson.</div> <div align="center">Newsday</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Isiah Thomas took the first step in the courtship of Phil Jackson on Thursday when he publicly lavished him with praise and said he would reach out to him the following day after arriving in Europe for his scouting trip... If Jackson slips away, the Knicks are prepared to consider several other choices, including Williams, Nate McMillan and Flip Saunders, and perhaps assistants such as Mike Brown of the Pacers and Eric Musselman of the Grizzlies</div> <div align="center">Newark Star-Ledger</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Isiah Thomas will meet with Phil Jackson as soon as Wednesday. According to a Knicks official, Thomas is returning from Europe 'in the middle of the week,' and a source close to the team president said he'll have a sit-down with the Zen Master 'upon his return.' ... The coaching search could take up to two months, with Thomas potentially waiting for Larry Brown to finish up the playoffs with the defending-champion Pistons, as well seeing what happens with Nate McMillan, who's in the final year of his contract with Seattle.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <u><div align="center"><font size="2">Monday, April 25, 2005</font></div></u> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Brown is a city guy. He's from New York. He loved Philadelphia, so did his wife Shelly. You can see him in New York. You can see him in Los Angeles. But, you just can't see him with the Pistons much longer. There has been much speculation that Brown could end up with the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers as their head coach. Now word is, the Cleveland Cavaliers may want him as their GM. Will he retire? Or, will it be a high school coach, something he's always talked about.</div> <div align="center">Courier-Post columnist Celeste E. Whittaker</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The well-documented mutual interest between Phil Jackson and Knicks officials will soon culminate in a face-to-face meeting, although where, when and to what end are questions that no one will yet answer.</div> <div align="center">New York Times (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Flip Saunders, who was fired in midseason as the Minnesota Timberwolves' coach, said that Isiah Thomas, the Knicks' president, had not contacted him about interviewing for the team's head coaching job.</div> <div align="center">New York Times (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <u><font size="2"><div align="center">Tuesday, April 26, 2005</div></font></u> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Knicks formally began their courtship of Phil Jackson yesterday when their president, Isiah Thomas, met at length with him in Los Angeles.</div> <div align="center">New York Times (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Phil Jackson Summit with the Knicks took place yesterday, according to league sources. Knicks president Isiah Thomas, back from Europe, met with Jackson and his agent Todd Musburger at an undisclosed location.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Phil Jackson took a step closer to returning to the Lakers as head coach, leaving Herb Williams in better shape to retain his job as head coach of the Knicks. Jackson will meet with Lakers star Kobe Bryant later this week, ESPN reported yesterday.</div> <div align="center">Newark Star-Ledger</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If Phil Jackson is to become the Lakers' next coach, money will have to be discussed with owner Jerry Buss and bread will have to be broken with Kobe Bryant.</div> <div align="center">Los Angeles Times</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Meanwhile, ESPN reported that Bryant will meet with Jackson this week, the first time the two have talked since Jackson's tell-all diary of the 2003-04 season was published. Also, The New York Times reported that the Knicks formally began their courtship of Jackson when their president, Isiah Thomas, met at length with him in Los Angeles.</div> <div align="center">Los Angeles Daily News</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Phil Jackson was back in the Lakers offices again Monday, and there's increasing basis to believe now Jackson might not be hanging around strictly for social reasons. Jackson is scheduled to meet with Lakers star Kobe Bryant this week, according to ESPN, although team spokesman John Black said: 'We are not aware of it.</div> <div align="center">Orange County Register (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ESPN reported Monday that Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson are going to meet this week. Sources within the Lakers told The Press-Enterprise that Bryant agreed to meet with Jackson, who left the team last summer amid controversy, as the Lakers' disappointing season came to a close.</div> <div align="center">Riverside Press Enterprise (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Don't take the Knicks job. And definitely don't take the Lakers job. Do take the opportunity to coach LeBron James and to spend the more than $20 million in cap space made available to the Cavaliers this summer by Jim Paxson, his parting gift.</div> <div align="center">USA Today columnist Ian O'Connor</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Knicks formally began their courtship of Phil Jackson yesterday when their president, Isiah Thomas, met at length with him in Los Angeles.</div> <div align="center">New York Times (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Phil Jackson Summit with the Knicks took place yesterday, according to league sources. Knicks president Isiah Thomas, back from Europe, met with Jackson and his agent Todd Musburger at an undisclosed location.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Phil Jackson took a step closer to returning to the Lakers as head coach, leaving Herb Williams in better shape to retain his job as head coach of the Knicks. Jackson will meet with Lakers star Kobe Bryant later this week, ESPN reported yesterday.</div> <div align="center">Newark Star-Ledger</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If Phil Jackson is to become the Lakers' next coach, money will have to be discussed with owner Jerry Buss and bread will have to be broken with Kobe Bryant.</div> <div align="center">Los Angeles Times</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Meanwhile, ESPN reported that Bryant will meet with Jackson this week, the first time the two have talked since Jackson's tell-all diary of the 2003-04 season was published. Also, The New York Times reported that the Knicks formally began their courtship of Jackson when their president, Isiah Thomas, met at length with him in Los Angeles.</div> <div align="center">Los Angeles Daily News</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Phil Jackson was back in the Lakers offices again Monday, and there's increasing basis to believe now Jackson might not be hanging around strictly for social reasons. Jackson is scheduled to meet with Lakers star Kobe Bryant this week, according to ESPN, although team spokesman John Black said: 'We are not aware of it.</div> <div align="center">Orange County (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ESPN reported Monday that Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson are going to meet this week. Sources within the Lakers told The Press-Enterprise that Bryant agreed to meet with Jackson, who left the team last summer amid controversy, as the Lakers' disappointing season came to a close.</div> <div align="center">Riverside Press Enterprise (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Don't take the Knicks job. And definitely don't take the Lakers job. Do take the opportunity to coach LeBron James and to spend the more than $20 million in cap space made available to the Cavaliers this summer by Jim Paxson, his parting gift.</div> <div align="center">USA Today columnist Ian O'Connor</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <font size="2"><div align="center">Wednesday, April 27, 2005</div></font> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">With Phil Jackson's secret Monday meeting with the Knicks out of the way, indications are growing that Isiah Thomas is reaching out to Flip Saunders for the next interview, perhaps this week... Even with the Lakers emerging as the favorite with Kobe Bryant extending an olive branch to the Zen Master, the Knicks are still in the ball game, a source familiar with Jackson meeting said.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Knicks are giving themselves about a '50-50 chance' of hiring Phil Jackson, according to a person with knowledge of Isiah Thomas' initial meeting with the legendary head coach... However, the same source revealed that the Knicks believe that while Jackson's interest in coaching their team is sincere, they came away feeling that he will return to the Lakers, with whom he spent five seasons and won three titles.</div> <div align="center">New York Daily News</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Phil Jackson has built his Hall of Fame career around triangles, so it is perhaps appropriate that he is now the apex of one that stretches from Los Angeles to New York to wherever he may be at the moment... The only other marquee coach under consideration is Larry Brown, but he has three years left on his contract with Detroit.</div> <div align="center">New York Times</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The wooing of Phil Jackson by the Knicks has begun. A team official yesterday confirmed a published report that Knicks president Isiah Thomas met with Jackson Monday in Los Angeles.</div> <div align="center">Newsday</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It was Jerry Buss' turn to dine with Phil Jackson on Tuesday night. A day after Jackson had met with New York Knick President Isiah Thomas in Los Angeles, the Laker owner spent some time with the former Laker coach, gauging Jackson's interest in returning to the game.</div> <div align="center">Los Angeles Times (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">These are the early stages of what could be a lengthy process for Jackson to evaluate his desire to coach again. And as the process unfolds, Jackson is gathering information - including various views on how coachable Kobe Bryant seems now.</div> <div align="center">Orange County Register (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The problem for Jackson is he apparently misses coaching, but there's no ideal match out there. No teams that appear on the verge of title contention that need a coach. The Cavaliers are closer to being an elite team than these Lakers</div> <div align="center">Los Angeles Daily News</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Trying to imagine how the hot conversation of the month, or maybe the year, might go later this week between Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant...</div> <div align="center">Orange County Register (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I hate to keep repeating myself, but the Zen Master will not return to coach the Lakers next season, no matter how many millions owner Jerry Buss offers this time.</div> <div align="center">Orange County Register (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">A former opponent and a former teammate who are friends of Phil Jackson's are divided about whether he will take the Knicks' coaching job if it is offered to him. Bill Walton says yes. Bill Bradley says no.</div> <div align="center">New York Times</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Along with former Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders, the newest candidate appears to be former Jersey guy P.J. Carlesimo</div> <div align="center">Newark Star-Ledger</div> <div align="center">__________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">But there are other coaches - some who even buy off the rack - who have revealed an ability to succeed without a celebrity pedigree. Two of these rumpled souls from the Filene's Basement of coaching prospects were on opposite sides of the sideline last night at the American Airlines Arena: the Heat's Stan Van Gundy and the Nets' Lawrence Frank.</div> <div align="center">New York Times columnist Selena Roberts</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Thursday, April 28, 2005</font></div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Knick President Isiah Thomas has spoken on the phone to former Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders, and they are expected to have a face-to-face meeting imminently, according to a league source, confirming yesterday's Post report... Meanwhile, Thomas said he would speak to at least two assistant coaches, and has already called the Spurs about P.J. Carlesimo, whose team is embroiled in the playoffs.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Next on the list is Flip Saunders, the former Minnesota Timberwolves coach who is expected to meet with the Knicks president today in New York... There are also several top assistant coaches that the Knicks may talk to, including Houston's Patrick Ewing, as well as the Wizards' Mike O'Koren, the Spurs' P.J. Carlesimo, the Grizzlies' Eric Musselman and another Houston assistant, Tom Thibodeau.</div> <div align="center">New York Daily News</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Isiah Thomas, the Knicks' president, has had conversations or arranged to speak with several candidates. The list so far includes Flip Saunders, a former coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves; P. J. Carlesimo, an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs; and Mike O'Koren, an assistant with the Washington Wizards.</div> <div align="center">New York Times (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Isiah Thomas returned to New York yesterday after meeting with Phil Jackson on Monday. It was only the beginning of what is starting to look like a lengthy process to hire a head coach, whether it be Jackson, another outside candidate, or current head coach Herb Williams.</div> <div align="center">Newark Star-Ledger</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It will slow-cook for however long it takes for various assistants (i.e. Mike Brown, P.J. Carlesimo, Eric Musselman) and perhaps even a current head coach or two (i.e. Larry Brown, Nate McMillan) to conclude their playoff runs, and for former Minnesota coach Flip Saunders to schedule a chat.</div> <div align="center">Bergen Record (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">____________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The possibility of Phil Jackson returning to the Lakers continues to advance, if only incrementally so. Jackson continued his social association with the Lakers family Tuesday night, attending a non-business dinner at the Playa del Rey home of team owner Jerry Buss.</div> <div align="center">Orange County Register (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Phil Jackson's dinner with Lakers owner Jerry Buss on Tuesday night has been characterized as more of a social meeting than a discussion about Jackson returning as the Lakers' coach. At least that's how the Lakers and Jackson's agent described it Wednesday.</div> <div align="center">Riverside Press Enterprise (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If Phil Jackson is to become the Lakers' next coach, one timetable has been offered for how such a hiring might take place. Speaking Tuesday night on TNT, Lakers vice president Magic Johnson, a part owner of the team, said Jackson and owner Jerry Buss would meet in the coming days.</div> <div align="center">Los Angeles Daily News</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jackson is being courted heavily by both teams, and all involved know that whoever wins becomes the center of the NBA universe, as the Bulls were after Michael Jordan un-retired in 1995 (that threepeat was a much-steeper roller coaster of tension and emotion than the previous one), and as the Lakers were for his five years nudging and prodding Shaq and Kobe.</div> <div align="center">Baltimore Sun columnist David Steele</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Recent reports in Orlando and New York have mentioned Griz assistant coach Eric Musselman as a candidate for head coaching vacancies in those cities. Musselman, though, said this isn't the time to discuss other possible opportunities.</div> <div align="center">Memphis Commercial Appeal (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jim Stack, who was hired as Wolves general manager to succeed Rob Babcock, who moved to Toronto, has a one-year contract that expires in June. Rumors have Stack returning to the New York Knicks, but he says his plans are to stay with the Wolves.</div> <div align="center">Minnesota Star Tribune Columnist Sid Hartman (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Friday, April 29, 2005</font></div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Flip Saunders is more likely to become the next Trail Blazers head coach than the next Knicks head coach. Saunders did not meet with Isiah Thomas yesterday, but he is planning to meet with Portland owner Paul Allen next week, a strong indication that he could end up coaching the Trail Blazers.</div> <div align="center">Newark Star-Ledger</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Flip Saunders wants to coach again, loves Stephon Marbury from their 2 seasons together in Minnesota and believes he knows how to rebuild. Sounds like a match for the Knicks. At this point, of course, it's anything but. That's because the Knicks intend to bring Phil Jackson to the East Coast for a tour of their Westchester County practice facility - if he doesn't re-up with the Lakers in the interim</div> <div align="center">Bergen Record</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Saunders was part of the TNT broadcasting team for the Nets-Miami Heat playoff game at Continental Arena. He declined to say whether he had spoken with Knicks president Isiah Thomas and gave vague answers about his career intentions... Saunders is considered a heavy favorite to fill the Portland Trail Blazers' vacancy, but he is among the coaches with whom Thomas has said he would speak.</div> <div align="center">New York Times (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yes, Flip Saunders would be interested in coaching the Knicks. No, he wouldn't confirm if he has spoken to them about the job.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Neither Saunders nor Knicks officials would confirm that he met with Knicks president Isiah Thomas in the past two days while Saunders was here in his role as a TNT analyst on last night's Nets-Heat game. But the Knicks previously contacted Saunders about interviewing for the job, and it's believed a meeting did take place.</div> <div align="center">Newsday</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">But could Saunders stick around the broadcast booth long enough to get past that rookie status? The assumption is he will end up coaching in the NBA next season -- the New York Post reported Thursday that Saunders planned to speak to New York Knicks President Isiah Thomas -- but a broadcast job could prove far more secure and still be lucrative.</div> <div align="center">Minnesota Star Tribune</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">P.J. Carlesimo is one candidate on the Knicks' extensive coaching list with New York roots and friends in high places. One of those A-list pals is Chuck Daly, the Hall of Fame coach who for the past 17 months has an unofficial title of special adviser to Isiah Thomas.</div> <div align="center">New York Daily News</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">But since New York's resident genius seems to have his head and heart set on hiring Phil Jackson as the next Knicks coach, the least Thomas should do is insist on an immediate answer before all the other coveted candidates are quickly gobbled up by the Cavaliers, Trail Blazers, Timberwolves and Magic.</div> <div align="center">New York Post Columnist Peter Vecsey</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">No, Thomas' best hope is to bid $10 million annually and part of the team (a la Pat Riley), and promise Jackson his run of the roster, which means Stephon Marbury's gone in a New York minute.</div> <div align="center"> Newsday columnist Jon Heyman</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Q: Do you think there is any chance Phil Jackson will be the Knicks' coach next year? A: Absolutely. I think that is the most reasonable spot for him.</div> <div align="center">Q&A with Bill Walton from New York Post</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Wizards' turnaround season may cost the team its lead assistant coach. Mike O'Koren, who has been invaluable to Jordan the past two seasons, is expected to be contacted for a possible head coaching position in the next two weeks.</div> <div align="center">Washington Post</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Saturday, April 30, 2005</font></div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Cavaliers got their turn yesterday as the Phil Jackson coaching tour continued. According to a league official, Jackson held a lengthy conference call with Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert and Cav brass... Meanwhile, a league source confirmed Thomas met with Spur assistant P.J. Carlesimo in San Antonio on Tuesday upon flying back from his Monday meeting with Jackson.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Phil Jackson has those characteristics, and Gilbert had a phone conversation with Jackson on Friday. Gilbert was unavailable for comment but Tad Carper, spokesman for the Cavs, acknowledged the conversation.</div> <div align="center">Cleveland Plain Dealer</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Cavaliers are in the Phil Jackson game. The question is whether they are player or pawn.</div> <div align="center">Akron Beacon Journal (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Spurs general manager R.C. Buford gave a strong endorsement of P.J. Carlesimo, the assistant coach of the Spurs under serious consideration for the Knicks head coaching job.</div> <div align="center">Newark Star-Ledger</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <font size="2"><div align="center">Sunday, May 1, 2005</font></div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Spurs assistant P.J. Carlesimo acknowledged having met with Knicks general manager Isiah Thomas on Tuesday to discuss the Knicks' head coaching job.</div> <div align="center">San Antonio Express-News (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">As soon as Isiah Thomas touched down in San Antonio to talk to P.J. Carlesimo about the Knicks' coaching job, it was official: This coaching search is a farce, guaranteed to end the way it was destined. That's with Herb Williams on the Madison Square Garden bench, and Thomas standing in the tunnel, looming large over him.</div> <div align="center">Bergen Record</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Knicks appear serious about Phil Jackson. But it's still a guess where he goes. If his relationship with Jeanie Buss is strong, you'd think the Lakers have the edge, particularly given that Jackson will likely seek an ownership stake.</div> <div align="center">Newsday</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Regardless of age or tax bracket, Laker fans are eager to see the team bounce back from a woeful 34-48 season, and many view Jackson, who led the team to three consecutive National Basketball Assn. championships before departing last year, as a savior.</div> <div align="center">Los Angeles Times</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Instead, we have Jackson driving up the bidding between the Knicks and Lakers, with the option of then taking such a figure to a team that actually has a coachable superstar (Minnesota with Kevin Garnett or Cleveland with LeBron James).</div> <div align="center">Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Cavs could also hire someone to take on the dual role as coach and GM. The New York Knicks, according to a source within that organization, had that in mind when Jackson was offered such a position during a recent job interview.</div> <div align="center">Cleveland Plain Dealer (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <font size="2"><div align="center">Monday, May 2, 2005</div></font> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The race for Phil Jackson has come down to the Lakers and Knicks. The Cavaliers, who held a telephone interview with Jackson on Friday, are no longer in the running for the Zen Master's services, according to a league source.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">As a member of the Knicks' last NBA championship team in 1973, Earl Monroe would love nothing better than to see his old teammate Phil Jackson return to New York to pick up the coaching legacy of Red Holzman. But after speaking to at least two people close to Jackson, Monroe said yesterday that the Knicks don't have the franchise player necessary to attract a coach who has won nine titles.</div> <div align="center">Newsday</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Despite what Larry Brown says in Detroit, the Knicks are among the teams that believe he will coach elsewhere next season, perhaps New York if Jackson declines... But there's one name rarely mentioned who has proven to be one of the best turnaround specialists of the era: Doug Collins.</div> <div align="center">Chicago Tribune columnist Sam Smith (registration required)</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <font size="2"><div align="center">Tuesday, May 3, 2005</div></font> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jackson could ultimately take a pass on coaching next season and start the process again in 2006-07, a main reason the Lakers have made initial contact with former Minnesota Timberwolf coach Flip Saunders, a league source said.</div> <div align="center">Los Angeles Times (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Imagine -- Jackson and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers' one remaining lightning rod, together again, quietly distrusting each other, trying hard to bite their tongues in public, but occasionally letting slip little digs and darts.</div> <div align="center">Riverside Press Enterprise columnist Gregg Patton (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">____________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Multiple NBA insiders confirmed a New York Post report Monday that Jackson is no longer considering the Cavaliers as an option to coach next season...The Knicks are pressing on in their coaching search and the Lakers have yet to schedule a formal meeting with Jackson, leading to questions as to whether he truly wants to return to the NBA next season.</div> <div align="center"> Akron Beacon Journal (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Dan Gilbert might see Phil Jackson as a real possibility, but chasing a coach with nine rings won in two major markets always has looked like a symbolic gesture.</div> <div align="center">Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Knicks president Isiah Thomas broached the subject of Jackson becoming the club's coach and general manager during a meeting early last week. However, Jackson said he had no interest in management.</div> <div align="center">Toronto Sun</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">May 6, 2005 -- It was hardly a concession speech, but Knicks president Isiah Thomas sounded more comfortable talking about coaching candidates other than Phil Jackson. Perhaps Thomas knows the longshots the Knicks have become to enlist Jackson's services as the club's next head coach. "I would say I know we've focused a lot on Phil and we should because who he is and what he's done," Thomas said. "But in my mind, the other people I've talked to and people I will continue to talk to, there's some good coaches out there." Thomas said Flip Saunders and P.J. Carlesimo are each "one of those guys," but a league source said Thomas interviewed Maurice Cheeks and came away impressed. </div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <font size="2"><div align="center">Monday, May 9, 2005</div></font> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">GREENBURGH, NY, May 5, 2005 --- The looming imminence of the NBA Draft. A quartet of talented college players working out for the team. Even with this busy plethora of goings-on going on, there was a whole lot of Phil Jackson conversation as Knicks President, Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas talked to the media on Thursday at the teams Madison Square Training Center. Still, Thomas understood. When you look at the resumes and the body of work hes put together, Phil, along with Larry Brown, is a cut above, smiled Thomas. I dont think anyone else coaching today can talk about being at that level. Other guys out there are real good, but PhilIts like myself when I was a player. I was good -- but I wasnt Michael Jordan.</div> <div align="center">Knicks.com </div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <u><font size="2"><div align="center">Thursday, May 12, 2005</div></font></u> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Isiah Thomas was in back in Los Angeles yesterday, but the Knicks president did not have a second meeting with Phil Jackson, according to a league source. The purpose of Thomas' two-day trip to the West Coast is unclear. Thomas, who returned to New York last night, could have had other business to attend to, or he could have been meeting with point guard Stephon Marbury, who spends his offseason in the L.A. area. The Knicks refuse to comment on their three-week old coaching search. Garden spokesman Barry Watkins reiterated late last night that the Knicks "will not discuss any details until there is an announcement to make."</div> <div align="center">New York Daily News </div> <div align="center">______________________</div> <div align="center"> <font size="2">Saturday, May 14, 2005</font></div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">AUBURN HILLS - The rumors about Detroit Shock head coach Bill Laimbeer possibly jumping to the NBA are still alive and well.ESPN's "SportsCenter" reported Thursday that Laimbeer will interview for the vacant New York Knicks head coaching position soon. Earlier in the week, two New York-area papers reported that Isiah Thomas, the Knicks' president and a former teammate of Laimbeer's on the Pistons, might contact Laimbeer. While neither denying nor confirming ESPN's report, Laimbeer said he talked with Thomas earlier in the week, but he insists it wasn't about the Knicks job. "I talk to Isiah all the time," Laimbeer said. "I talked with him on the phone a couple of days ago. It was about him being in Los Angeles, also about how our Shock team is doing here, how his wife is doing, things like that. Nothing about the job."</div> Oakland Press <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Few people around basketball think the Knicks will get Phil Jackson, and now it appears Isiah Thomas is among them. Thomas, who hasn't publicly characterized his chances of signing Jackson, revealed his feelings Wednesday to former NFL quarterback and friend Rodney Peete in Beverly Hills., Calif. Peete said he ran into Thomas at the Four Seasons Hotel. He said the two were waiting for valets to bring their cars. During their brief conversation, Peete asked Thomas if Jackson would become the Knicks' next head coach. Thomas shook his head no.</div> Newark Star-Ledger <div align="center"><font size="2">Wednesday, May 18, 2005</font></div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">A self-assured Herb Williams said yesterday he believes he'll still be the Knicks head coach next season. Williams claims Isiah Thomas has not told him such, but he's getting good signals. Williams is even considering installing more triangle-offense principles next season after going to a coaching clinic last weekend in Seattle run by Phil Jackson's former aide and triangle guru, Tex Winter. "I feel confident right now," Williams said. "To be honest with you, I always have. Right now I'm going about my duties as if I'm the head coach.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">During the Knicks' coaching search, Isiah Thomas has spoken to nearly 10 candidates, including a handful of up-and-coming college coaches. The Post has learned one of those college coaches interviewed is Georgia Tech's Paul Hewitt, a Jamaica, Queens, native who grew up a big Knicks fan. The college coaches are not considered serious candidates, but Thomas, according to people who have spoken to him during the process, is creating a coaching database for the future. Though Hewitt might not coach the Knicks next season, he is definitely a name for down the road.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Saturday, May 21, 2005</font></div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Isiah Thomas formally will reach out to Nate McMillan over the next several days now that Seattle's unlikely playoff run is over after a second-round loss to San Antonio. McMillan, whose contract expires this summer, has coached the Sonics for the past five seasons and there is a strong possibility that he will re-sign with Seattle. But he remains a viable candidate for the Knicks' job because of his impressive credentials and because McMillan and Thomas are represented by the same agent, Lonny Cooper. Those ties to Cooper also raise ethical questions considering that Thomas' first hire as Knicks' head coach, Lenny Wilkens, also was a Cooper client.</div> <div align="center">New York Daily News</div> <font size="2"><div align="center">May 23, 2005</div></font> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bill Laimbeer has a smooth fake. The former Pistons bad boy and current Detroit Shock GM and head coach tried to sidestep questions about his interest in coaching the Knicks yesterday. "I am going to try and answer this as politically as I can," Laimbeer said at the Garden. "I will be in Detroit until my daughter graduates and then we will see what comes my way."</div> <div align="center">New York Daily News</div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Friday, May 27, 2005</font></div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Detroit Shock coach Bill Laimbeer said he had a formal interview with Knicks president Isiah Thomas on Sunday in New York to discuss the team's head-coaching job.</div> <div align="center">Detroit News</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> One way or the other, don't count on McMillan to desert the only franchise he's every worked for during 19 years in the league as a player (drafted No. 30 in '86), assistant and head coach... Look for (Ray Allen) to extend for roughly $75 million guaranteed over five years; no way he wants to be Scottie Pippen to LeBron James, or headline some other rebuilding program.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Larry Brown's health could prevent him from returning to the Pistons next season - or from jumping to the Knicks this summer.</div> <div align="center">New York Daily News</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Dr. Norman Scott, the Knicks' chief physician for 27 years, resigned yesterday, continuing a period of sweeping change in the team's medical staff.</div> <div align="center">New York Times (Registration Required)</div> <div align="center">_____________________</div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Saturday, May 27, 2005</font></div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">When team president Isiah Thomas first mentioned former teammate Bill Laimbeer as a potential Knicks coaching candidate May 5, it was viewed as a courtesy to an old friend. But the two discussed the Knicks' job Sunday in New York, and Friday, a person close to Thomas said Laimbeer is 'in the mix.</div> <div align="center">Newsday</div> <div align="center">___________</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Shock coach Bill Laimbeer acknowledged in a report yesterday he interviewed with Isiah Thomas for three hours last Sunday in New York after his club played the Liberty.</div> <div align="center">New York Post</div> <div align="center">_____________________</div> <font size="2"><div align="center">Sunday, June 5, 2005[/CENTER</font> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Consequently, McMillan is seriously thinking about entertaining offers from the Pistons (a marriage made at midcourt), the Blazers and the Lakers should Phil Jackson get that unloving feeling from Kobe Bryant. The Knicks, I'm informed, failed to so much as make the back end of McMillan's wish list.</div> <div align="CENTER">New York Post</div> _____________________</div>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Edited.</div> Thanks for the help, Shape!
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"Spurs assistant P.J. Carlesimo told The Post yesterday he was "very encouraged" with his first interview with Isiah Thomas and expects to meet again, perhaps this week. "It was a very good first meeting," Carlesimo said in a telephone interview from the Spurs' offices yesterday. "I'm hoping it's something that will continue to develop. I think he'd say the same thing. But there's a ways to go." New York Post</div> source
maybe? 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 We might still get phil!
Carlisemo <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"One league official familiar with Knicks president Isiah Thomas' thinking, said he believes Thomas will hire Carlesimo, rather than re-up incumbent head coach Herb Williams, if Jackson turns down the job to return to the Lakers, move up the California coast to Sacramento (which he has expressed interest) or sit out another season." Bergen Record</div> source
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">AUBURN HILLS - The rumors about Detroit Shock head coach Bill Laimbeer possibly jumping to the NBA are still alive and well.ESPN's "SportsCenter" reported Thursday that Laimbeer will interview for the vacant New York Knicks head coaching position soon. Earlier in the week, two New York-area papers reported that Isiah Thomas, the Knicks' president and a former teammate of Laimbeer's on the Pistons, might contact Laimbeer. While neither denying nor confirming ESPN's report, Laimbeer said he talked with Thomas earlier in the week, but he insists it wasn't about the Knicks job. "I talk to Isiah all the time," Laimbeer said. "I talked with him on the phone a couple of days ago. It was about him being in Los Angeles, also about how our Shock team is doing here, how his wife is doing, things like that. Nothing about the job."</div> Laimbeer Joins the Hunt to Coach Knicks
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Few people around basketball think the Knicks will get Phil Jackson, and now it appears Isiah Thomas is among them. Thomas, who hasn't publicly characterized his chances of signing Jackson, revealed his feelings Wednesday to former NFL quarterback and friend Rodney Peete in Beverly Hills., Calif. Peete said he ran into Thomas at the Four Seasons Hotel. He said the two were waiting for valets to bring their cars. During their brief conversation, Peete asked Thomas if Jackson would become the Knicks' next head coach. Thomas shook his head no.</div> http://www.nj.com/knicks/ledger/index.ssf?...96076093920.xml
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">A self-assured Herb Williams said yesterday he believes he'll still be the Knicks head coach next season. Williams claims Isiah Thomas has not told him such, but he's getting good signals. Williams is even considering installing more triangle-offense principles next season after going to a coaching clinic last weekend in Seattle run by Phil Jackson's former aide and triangle guru, Tex Winter. "I feel confident right now," Williams said. "To be honest with you, I always have. Right now I'm going about my duties as if I'm the head coach. </div> Source
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> During the Knicks' coaching search, Isiah Thomas has spoken to nearly 10 candidates, including a handful of up-and-coming college coaches. The Post has learned one of those college coaches interviewed is Georgia Tech's Paul Hewitt, a Jamaica, Queens, native who grew up a big Knicks fan. The college coaches are not considered serious candidates, but Thomas, according to people who have spoken to him during the process, is creating a coaching database for the future. Though Hewitt might not coach the Knicks next season, he is definitely a name for down the road. </div> http://nypost.com/sports/knicks/24102.htm
