Quote:
- THIS may be a first (and a last) in the Metro Area.
Inevitably, if one news paper endorses a certain candidate for a powerful political position, its rivals will endorse someone else. The same holds true in sports regarding top-shelf managerial and coaching vacancies.
Even columnists on the same payroll habitually disagree on such subjects, if for no other reason than not to agree, no matter what, with the deep-rooted, insufferable comp. My supporting somebody guarantees backing for someone else by an adversary and so forth.
Hallowed be our shallowness.
Mark Jackson is a phenomenon. By fusing the feuding forces of the media from Manhattan, Long Island and New Jersey he has accomplished the unthinkable.
To a person - unless I have missed a dissenting vote or voice - we believe, as do those throughout the league with a stable hand on its pulse, there's nobody available more capable to replace Isiah Thomas as KnicksNew York Knicks  coach than New York's very own communications leader.
Jackson, who has 17 years of coaching experience as an on-the-floor-assistant, and the job are custom made for each other, a seamless fit. Never again would we have to hear the lame mantra from a sobbing Knicks coach or player about how tough it is to win in New York.
The 43-year-old (April 1, no joke) grew up here. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens ("I'm the only guy claimed by both boroughs . . . and rightfully so"), he excelled at Loughlin HS, St. John's University and as a Knick. His home away from home is Madison Square Garden. Jackson's connection with fans and those covering the NBA is friction free. Who doesn't revere his basketball opinion? Is there any ex-player who possesses a keener sense of humor and richer respect for franchise (and league) history? More important maybe than anything is that newly appointed Knicks president Donnie Walsh liked what Jackson did for the Pacers to such a degree he traded for him twice.
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http://www.nypost.com/seven/04062008...ark_105244.htm
Do I want a rookie head coach, regardless of his assistant coach experience? Hmmm, well we
should be rebuilding anyway so giving him a chance and the job might not be so bad. The next 3 years is basically getting rid of all the dead weight and bringing in winners, who can play defense, and are actually tough for a change.