Phil Jackson Discusses Knicks' Struggles, Implementing Triangle Offense, More

Phil Jackson's first full season as president of the New York Knicks has been disastrous, but the 11-time NBA champion head coach is intent on sticking with the system that has made him one of the most successful figures in league history.

In a recent interview with Harvey Araton of The New York Times, Jackson lamented the Knicks' 10-38 start. Although Jackson's stint in the front office essentially just started, he is aware that it has been a failure to this point.

"So far, my experiment has fallen flat on its face," Jackson said.

One of the biggest points of contention among NBA observers is the viability of Jackson's triangle offense. It worked to great effect when he coached the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, but he had the benefit of generational stars such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.

The cupboard is pretty bare in New York aside from Carmelo Anthony. However, Jackson is committed to the triangle and his efforts to make it in vogue once again, per Araton.

"It was part of my thinking," Jackson said. "There are some principles of the offense that I did feel were being overrun, or disregarded."

The triangle has a reputation of being a difficult offense to learn and adapt to. Jackson understands that perception, but he is steadfast in his belief that it is a winning system and suggested it can be flexible. He even went on to endorse a 4-point line being inserted behind a 3-point line. 

According to Araton, Jackson is confident truly great players won't shy away from signing with the Knicks and challenging themselves:

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Of course it's a concern of mine, the perception that it's too difficult to learn or too difficult for today's players to embrace. But I think anyone that believes he's a total basketball player is going to want to do it. A sound offense incorporates all the basic skills of any player you have, whether you're a center, a power forward, whatever. There are isolation spots in the triangle, but the only thing that precludes a player really fitting in is someone who has to have the whole side of the court to go one on one.

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Jackson's view of the triangle offense can be debated, but there is no question he wants to build a winner in New York. Based on his previous experience, it is easy to understand why he feels the triangle can make that a reality.

The 69-year-old Hall of Famer seems as determined as ever to be successful, but Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders questions if he will stick to his stated vision:

Jackson is in a position he hasn't experienced much in the NBA. He is in charge of not only a losing team, but one of the NBA's worst teams.

That can change quickly if he is able to do big things in free agency and the draft, but it remains to be seen how Jackson will handle true adversity.

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