The Kings fired Westphal and the Wizards fired Saunders already this year. It seems the short year has left coaches with short leashes. So when the supposedly stacked Knicks have struggled, the whispers are already beginning about the head coach.
Report: D’Antoni’s job with Knicks safe. For now at least. | ProBasketballTalk
Apparently the Knicks are not planning to end the Mike D’Antoni era any time soon. Then again, Flip Saunders got a direct vote of confidence from his owner just a couple weeks before the axe fell. But as of right now, there are no plans to make a move — but D’Antoni’s fate could rest with Baron Davis, reports Sam Amick at Sports Illustrated. Which should make D’Antoni sick to his stomach.
Of course this leads me to the logical follow up question. What's Phil Jackson up to these days?
Phil Jackson Is Seduced by the Energy of New York - NYTimes.com
"I have no desire to coach," he said. "You never say never, right? I mean, there’s always something that might change my mind — but I just don’t see it.
"Without a doubt, New York is special," he continued in a vein a little more encouraging for Knicks fans. "Why wouldn’t it be? When I was there, it was one of the greatest times to be in New York. I mean, the Mets, Jets and Knicks won championships all in one year."
So, Mike D'Antoni's job is safe and Phil Jackson has no desire to coach. So why do I think that Phil Jackson will be coaching the Knicks within the next 8 months or so?