Schmeelk: Knicks Fans, Just Ignore Sulking Phil Jackson; Finals Foul Trouble?
By John Schmeelk
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I can't believe the reactions that Knicks fans had to Phil Jackson's comments to HBO sports the other day. So many people actually used his statement that the Knicks roster is "clumsy" as some kind of definitive statement that this roster, as it is currently constructed, can't succeed. Really, is that where we are at this point? Is that how desperate and reactionary Knicks fans are?
Why would anyone believe anything Jackson has to say in the interview to begin with? There's a reason he is sarcastically called the Zen Master. Everything he said is said for a purpose and must be taken with a grain of salt. He used to publicly complain that Michael Jordan got a bad whistle. Jordan got more calls than any player I've ever seen. Jackson has always been self-serving and has a huge ego. Fans need to remember that.
I would expect Jackson's massive ego to be a little hurt that the Knicks didn't reach out to him about their head coaching job. As a former member of the franchise, he understood that there would have been great symmetry for him to close his career where he started it. Plus, what better place for Jackson to secure his legacy and be the face of the franchise than New York City?
Like a child who wasn't allowed to go to Disneyland, he petulantly answers "I didn't want to go anyway."
That's how I read the Jackson interview. The best way for him to save face over the fact the Knicks didn't want him is to say he never wanted the job to begin with. He looks even better by saying the roster is "clumsy" and therefore not worthy of his coaching greatness. In fairness to the Zen Master, the Knicks are far from the championship ready Lakers that Jackson took over with Kobe and Shaq already in place.
The Knicks aren't perfect and anyone with half a clue knew that already, but it doesn't mean that they do not have the potential to be a contending team. The addition of Steve Nash could change everything, and even a healthy Jeremy Lin would help the offense an awful lot. There are real things Knicks fans should worry about, so don't panic over something that a sulking Phil Jackson said to HBO.
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I'm curious to see how the officials referee Game 4, because in the last two games Kevin Durant was not getting the superstar treatment allotted to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. While both Heat superstars get a foul called when they are looked at the wrong way, Durant has been in foul trouble two straight games. The officiating has, in a subtle way, favored the Heat. The foul called on James Harden in the final seconds Sunday night was terrible. So was Durant's foul on Wade. Everyone knows about the non-call on Durant in Game 2. In big spots, Miami has gotten the favorable whistle.
The Thunder haven't helped themselves either, committing a lot of bad fouls in the worst situations. Miami would have won Game 3 without their advantage at the line. How the rest of this series officiated will go a long way in deciding how it is decided.
You can follow me on Twitter for everything Knicks, Giants, Yankees and New York sports @Schmeelk.
Is the Zen Master right about the Knicks roster? Be heard in the comments below...
