TwinkieFoot

KNICKS LOOK AT VETERAN JACKSON
By MARC BERMAN


March 2, 2007 -- The Knicks have explored signing free agent swingman Jimmy Jackson to fill the massive void left by Jamal Crawford's season-ending stress fracture injury, The Post has learned.
Jackson, 36, is a burly 6-foot-6 and could play small forward or shooting guard. He is known around the league as a player with good character. Jackson played last season for the Suns and Lakers, but was not picked up this year. He has been working out at his home in Toledo, Ohio.

The Knicks made inquiries into Jackson following Wednesday night's crushing loss to the Celtics, the team with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks fell behind by 23 points to Boston in the first half in their first game without Crawford.

It is believed one of the Knicks' brass interviewed Jackson yesterday.

Mark Termini, Jackson's agent, confirmed the Knicks contacted him yesterday about Jackson, a 14-year veteran. For the third straight day, however, Knicks coach/president Isiah Thomas said he is not planning on signing a free agent, claiming he wants to sink or swim with his young players. Nevertheless, the Knicks' inquiries into Jackson are a clear indication of how seriously the brass believes the team can make a playoff run.

Jackson could be signed for the veteran's minimum: a prorated $1 million.

Jackson's addition, at the very least, would be insurance against Quentin Richardson going down again with a chronic back injury. Jackson also would provide veteran savvy on a club that will be forced to give heavy minutes to second-year player Nate Robinson and rookie Mardy Collins. The Knicks' interest in Jackson also is a clear indication they don't believe Steve Francis and his right knee tendinitis will hold up. Thomas may be waiting to see how they fare in a back-to-back set tonight and tomorrow against Golden State and Atlanta before deciding on making a move.

Termini said the Knicks have not made an offer to his client.

TwinkieFoot

Needless to say this but I LOVE THIS IDEA. Do it because Jimmy is a solid player and can shoot the ball most importantly while playing defense on the other end of the floor.

urwhatueati8god

Simply idiotic. There are younger and better players on free agency. Get Qyntel Woods back for Christ's sake. If they're going to sign Jim Jackson than they should have just kept Jalen Rose. This is a Knicks team that desperately needs addition by subtraction and signing a guy like Jackson will only hurt them both short term as they'll have a guy who will take some time to work his way back into the NBA and in the long run by cutting the youths' playing time.

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TwinkieFoot

I never really thought about Qyntel Woods who worked particularly well with Frye. That would be a good idea but even he does not possess the range and saavy of a Jim Jackson. Let's face it, no one in free agency will replace the impact of a guy like Crawford so the more experienced and proven you get, the better. Jackson knows what it's like to be in the playoff hunt so that knowledge should serve us well. He's a much better fit for this team than a guy like Rose because he's a two way player and shooter.

Gotham2krazy

I love Jimmy Jackson, but please Isiah, the last thing you need is another JJ. Plus, with Nate out, Crawford out, give my boy MARDY SOME BURN!!!

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