Steve Kerr could be on his way to New York as coach of the Knicks if former boss Phil Jackson actually makes good on all the rumored reports he’s set to take over as the face of the storied franchise.
As rumors abound Jackson is set to be installed as president of basketball operations for the Knicks, reports of Kerr perhaps being his hand-picked choice to man the sidelines as coach are also bubbling.
The New York Daily News reports Kerr is intent on becoming a NBA coach and Jackson is equally eager by the idea of giving him his big break. Kerr, who played 15 NBA seasons and once served as GM for the Phoenix Suns, has never worked as a coach.
“If Phil Jackson runs the Knicks, don’t rule out the team’s next coach being Steve Kerr,” The News reported, adding a current NBA coach predicted “he’ll be really good. He’s smart and he’s a good leader.
Jackson and the Knicks are said to be finalizing terms of their deal and his past history with the sweet-shooting Kerr is said to be fueling that interest. Kerr starred on the three-peat mid 90s Bulls team coached by Jackson and led by Michael Jordan.
In 15 seasons, Kerr has averaged six points and two assists, swishing some of the game’s most memorable shots along the way. One of Kerr’s best seasons came in 1996-97, when he averaged eight points, two rebounds and two assists and also swished a Game 6, NBA Finals game-winning shot against the Utah off a pass from Jordan.
Jackson’s NBA career spans as nearly five decades and includes 11 NBA coaching titles. He won six titles with the Bulls coaching Jordan and later five with the Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant.
Media reports the Knicks are will formally introduce Jackson as head exec sometime over the next several days and the Kerr watch could start in earnest at that point.
