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Phil Jackson signed on to be the New York Knicks team president, igniting hope in long-tortured Knicks fans, young and old. A proven basketball mind and OMG HE COACHED MJ! was enough to ink Jackson to a five-year contract that paid him $12 million a year.
Welp, fast forward three years and it’s become all to clear that Jackson’s tenure in New York has gone about as smoothly as Helen Keller’s reading material. The Knicks went 90-171 (.344) under Phil, with seasons marred under players’ resistance to the triangle offense. As of late, Jackson has made it clear to Carmelo Anthony that he should find a new home and has sparked concerns over the organization’s relationship with its most promising young player, Kristaps Porzingis.
Phil’s massive failure in New York was not reflected in his paycheck, however. This stat is mind-blowing.
Phil Jackson worked for the Knicks for 1,200 days. He was paid $60 million for it or $50,000 a day.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 28, 2017
For each of Phil’s 90 regular season victories, he was paid $666,666, as pointed out by The Big Lead. No wonder Jackson ‘I got fired’ statement was so complimentary of the Knicks organization.
“The New York Knicks will always hold a special place in my heart,” Jackson said in a statement. “This team and this town launched my NBA career. I will forever be indebted to them. I am grateful to Mr. Dolan for giving me the opportunity to return here.
“I had hoped, of course, to bring another NBA championship to the Garden. As someone who treasures winning, I am deeply disappointed that we weren’t able to do that. New York fans deserve nothing less. I wish them and the Knicks organization all the best — today and always.”
Poor Phil.
[h/t The Big Lead]