NBA Rumors: Knicks' Only Hope for Title Lies in Zen Master Phil Jackson

Head coaches in the NBA are a lot like reality television shows: They serve no purpose, yet a lot of people seem to think they are a big deal. The New York Knicks are dealing with a lot of problems on their roster right now, so it would make sense that Mike D'Antoni would be on the hot seat. 

According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, there is a candidate out there who would be at the top of the Knicks wish list if they do fire D'Antoni. 

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Whether (James) Dolan makes an in-season coaching change -- something he historically has opposed -- or waits until after the shortened season, it is clear who the logical candidate would be to take over at MSG. Some telling comments from former Lakers coach Phil Jackson to the New York Times recently caught the eyes of several rival executives and coaching industry sources who are convinced of two things: Jackson, 66, has the itch to return, and the Knicks might be the only job that would lure him back.

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The Times article that Berger references does include some interesting quotes from Jackson, but he did say that he has "no desire to coach."

Of course, right after he said that, he talked about how special New York is and how that place means to him.

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“Without a doubt, New York is special,” he continued in a vein a little more encouraging for Knicks fans. “Why wouldn’t it be? When I was there, it was one of the greatest times to be in New York. I mean, the Mets, Jets and Knicks won championships all in one year.” 

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So what do the Knicks do?

We know that they are going to be forced to make a panic move if they keep struggling, but it is going to take a lot of money and freedom to convince Jackson to come back. 

That said, this franchise is going to enter an interesting time after this season. They could make a run at Dwight Howard or Deron Williams, if for some reason they don't stay with the Magic and Nets, respectively. Obviously, Jackson is going to want to come to a situation that is on the verge of winning a title. 

The Knicks have to prepare themselves to win big soon, and D'Antoni's style of play doesn't lend itself to winning championships. 

Jackson will be able to put the pieces together because he does that wherever he goes. If the Knicks want to compete for a championship soon, their best bet will be to dump D'Antoni soon and go after the Zen Master. 

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