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 Anthony Caraturo is in his second year at Suffolk County Community College. It is his passion to write about sports and share his thoughts with people who enjoy reading. He would love to one day realize his dream as a sports writer acaraturo@gmail.com. |
| Phil Jackson is possibly the greatest coach in NBA history. He has 11 championship rings as a coach and two as a player. Jackson coached 20 seasons in the NBA and had a winning record in every one of them. Jackson also has the highest winning percentage amongst Hall of Fame coaches with a percentage of .704. On March 18th of 2014, Phil Jackson signed a five year contract worth $60 million and became the President of Basketball Operations with the New York Knicks. The Knicks finished with a record of 17-65 and won their final two games of the season which jeopardized their chances of picking higher. The Knicks took the best player available at fourth overall, 7 foot 3 Latvian Kristaps Porzingis. Jackson took heat from select media and fans but stuck to his guns and assured Knicks fans everywhere that this was a guy that was too good to pass up. Jackson said, “I think our fans are going to like him.” Porzingis quickly flourished in New York and has become a fan favorite in just his second season under the Garden’s bright lights. Porzingis has showed the physical, as well as mental toughness to deal with much scrutiny that New York brings. Porzingis is off to another great start this season averaging about 20 points per game. Jackson made the right move, and he was right, Knicks fans do love him. On June 22, 2016, Jackson went out and acquired former MVP Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls. This trade was worth it to get a former MVP like Rose. It was also believed that the Knicks could use Rose and superstar Carmelo Anthony as recruiters for free agents. 2016 free agency rolled around and Jackson was unable to grab a meeting with star forward Kevin Durant. Instead, Jackson had to settle for two tier-two free agents in Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee. Jackson spent $120 million combined on both. The big fish was Durant and Jackson failed in that aspect. With an opt-out in Jackson’s contract set for July 1, 2017, will Jackson choose to stay and help build the Knicks back up or will he choose the door? Many have speculated that he would go back to the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise in which he has won five titles as head coach. He has a connection to the legendary Buss family for the Lakers. It is also believed by many that he will stay with the Knicks as he has a plan and has already taken steps to improve the franchise. It will be an interesting next five months for sure. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 