New York Knicks: 3 Reasons Phil Jackson Isn't Coming Back to New York

As the New York Knicks continue to descend to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, fans are desperate for a quick fix to turn around the once promising team.

And when rumors surfaced that Phil Jackson may return to New York to coach the struggling Knicks, it was hard to contain excitement about the possibility.

But before we run away with the rumor, let's examine the facts.

Here are three reasons why Phil Jackson (unfortunately) will not emerge from retirement to coach the Knicks.

The Knicks' Star Power Doesn't Shine Quite as Bright

Phil Jackson is the type of guy who's lured in by big-star potential.

And why shouldn't he be? In his illustrious career, he's had the pleasure of coaching Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Dennis Rodman.

While the Knicks have two big stars in Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, the pair have failed to complement each other on the court and would not be a big enough draw to attract Phil Jackson.

When it comes to trades, the Knicks are somewhat financially handcuffed by their stars.

Anthony, whose contract extends through the 2013 season with a player option in 2014, is due to get almost $20 million next year.

But despite the monster sum owed to him next season, the forward has put up the worst offensive showing of his career with a whopping 0.398 field goal percentage to date.

As Anthony continues to spiral, so does his stock—meaning that the Knicks will unlikely be able to get what they had to give up for Anthony in order to trade him away after this season.

If Anthony goes, it's doubtful that his replacement will be big enough to capture Jackson's discriminating attention.

And if Anthony stays on the roster, his performance this season won't suffice to spark Phil Jackson's return to New York and the NBA.

Stoudemire presents a similar issue. He has $83 million over four years remaining on his contract.

Although he's been playing more impressively than Melo lately, producing a double-double against the Chicago Bulls last Thursday, his contract is uninsured due to his multiple knee surgeries.

The Knicks have assumed a lot of risk investing in Amar'e despite his health conditions and uninsured contract. These factors also significantly decrease Stoudemire's value when it comes to trading potential.

While it's possible for New York to make some big moves this offseason, it seems unlikely that they will establish the star studded line up necessary to entice Phil Jackson.

Jackson will need the guarantee of a ring to return to the NBA as a coach. And with so many "ifs" swirling around the future of this Knicks team, New York will be uninviting to Jackson in 2012.

Jackson Has More to Lose Than to Gain

With 13 championships, including two as a player and 11 as a coach, an extra ring for Phil Jackson will hardly enhance his already established legacy.

Sure, having another opportunity to compete is an enticing possibility—and it's hard not to entertain the thought with all of New York engaged in optimistic speculation about his return.

But with such a sterling resume behind him, Jackson's renaissance could harm his legacy much more than it could improve it.

If Jackson emerges from retirement for a third time only to be thwarted short of a ring, it won't matter how far he gets.

For such an established competitor, going home empty-handed is a personal disappointment.

But further, the public will hold the elite coach to larger-than-life expectations, meaning Knicks fans will be just as let down if he does not produce results.

With little to gain and so much to lose, it does not seem likely that Jackson will risk damaging his legacy to return to the New York Knicks.

Jackson Does Not Want to Coach

When it comes to sports, it's easy to get bitten by the bug.

As hard as it is to establish yourself among the greats, it's even more difficult to cease your living-legend lifestyle and fade away into the history books.

That's why so many coaches and players fail to make a clean break from sports on the first try.

Phil Jackson is no different, exhibiting Brett Favre-esque tendencies when it comes to crying wolf. To date, he has emerged from retirement twice.

But this February he told the New York Times, “I have no desire to coach. You never say never, right? I mean, there’s always something that might change my mind — but I just don’t see it."

And there's a compelling case for why those comments ring true.

At age 66, Phil Jackson has established a life for himself in Los Angeles.

At this stage in his life, why would he move 3,000 miles from long-time girlfriend and Lakers vice president, Jeanie Buss?

Simply returning to coaching would be stressful enough on Jackson but tack on a long-distance relationship that would keep him bouncing between coasts and you've got a sure-fire recipe for disaster.

Further still, Phil Jackson has a loving relationship with his grandchildren. He's unlikely to leave them and the LA weather for New York City—as enticing as the opportunity may be.

Age has its limitations and even Jackson is susceptible. It seems unlikely that he will relapse into coaching during the seventh decade of his life.