Jackson takes blame for Knicks’ woeful season

NEW YORK, USA – NBA coaching great Phil Jackson, in his first full season as president of the New York Knicks, shouldered responsibility Saturday, January 10 for the club’s dismal season.

“This is a mea culpa,” Jackson said before his Knicks were routed 110-82 by the Charlotte Hornets – extending New York’s club-record losing streak to 15 games. 

New York fans are getting restive, taking out their frustrations with jeers of their own team and sporting paper bags on their heads at games to hide their shame. 

“I take responsibility for it,” Jackson said, adding that he didn’t think fans should address their ire at first-year coach Derek Fisher.

“It’s not his fault,” Jackson said. “Obviously I didn’t do the right thing in picking the group of guys that were here. 

On Saturday, the Knicks wee again without high-priced superstar Carmelo Anthony, who continues to rest a sore knee. Amare Stoudemire, also nursing a troublesome knee, was also absent.

In a season of lows, the Knicks were especially awful on Saturday, trailing by as many as 45 points in the second half before trimming the deficit in the fourth quarter after Charlotte pulled their starting players. 

Quincy Acy was one bright spot for the Knicks, finishing with 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr added 15 points and Shane Larkin chipped in 12.

Kemba Walker’s 28 points propelled the Hornets to a season-high fifth straight win. Walker needed just 28 minutes to record his game-best total.

The Knicks were whistled for 24 fouls, which led to a 25-of-33 performance at the foul line for the Hornets.

Jackson, who has won a record 13 NBA titles as a player and coach, was installed as Knicks president last March charged with turning around the fortunes of the struggling franchise.

He predicted the Knicks would be playoff contenders this season, but instead they own an NBA-worst record of 5-35.

Jackson said Saturday he would continue to try to make personnel moves up to the February 19 trade deadline. Beyond that he will seek to rebuild through next year’s draft and free agency. 

He said a healthy and productive Anthony could be a key in attracting quality free agents, and acknowledged that Anthony could benefit from surgery on his left knee.

However, Jackson said he thought surgery was a “last resort” for Anthony, who hopes to be able to play on Thursday when the Knicks play the Milwaukee Bucks at London’s O2 Arena and also to have a chance to play in February’s All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. – Rappler.com