The lingering question that has been largely avoided since Phil Jackson signed on as President of the New York Knicks is this: why don't you just do it, Phil? Jackson's major task since taking the job has been filling the vacant head coach position. The rumor mill keeps gently reminding the world what a great coach Jackson was and gently suggesting that he might be the best man for the job. But inside the organization it's more like the elephant in the room.
For those still ruling out automatically that Jackson may pull his own name out of the hat there are a lot of strong options. Experts agree Jackson's choice will largely come down to whether he wants an independent voice or a yes man to do his bidding (via New York Times):
"That is the fundamental question facing him as he contemplates his first coaching hire as the Knicks' president. Jackson is charged with the responsibility of bringing a championship to a franchise that has not won a title in more than 40 years.
"Jackson has three great options: the former coaches Lionel Hollins and Mark Jackson, and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Derek Fisher, who has no coaching experience and would be the most malleable of the group."
Former Laker and Jackson disciple Rick Fox threw his own name in the hat but also had the sense to say what few have said directly (via Newsday):
"I'm hoping -- I keep saying to Phil Jackson -- he needs to coach the team. He's the best guy for it. He's the holy grail of coaches. If he needed my support in some way, it'd be hard to turn him down. Or if he needed me to step in and do the job myself, I'd definitely welcome that.''
With Stan Van Gundy's new deal in Detroit, it wouldn't be the craziest thing in the world. The only question is: Does Jackson want the job?
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