Kobe Bryant is aware of the kind of success Phil Jackson can facilitate. New York Knicks fans are doubting the former Lakers' head coach at the moment considering the dismal state of the franchise. With free agency approaching, Jackson has a lot to prove to the Knicks as he attempts to chase several big names hitting the market. Bryant was quick to express his confidence in the Knicks' team president.
Bryant told the media following the Lakers loss to the Knicks on Sunday that Jackson was the greatest coach in any profession. The issue is whether or not he is the best team president in any profession. Jackson failed to grab any marquee free agents in his first offseason in New York and history cannot repeat itself again in 2016. Bryant urged the Knicks fan base to be patient and believe in Jackson.
"What he does now is understanding personnel, picking the right personnel, but that's no different than what he did as a coach," Bryant said. "As a coach he really broke down the players, understood the players. That's the same thing he does as a GM. The people of New York just need to trust the fact that he knows more about the game than any of them put together. ... In my opinion, he's the greatest coach in any profession. Ever."
Jackson has already made some headway in New York. Knicks fans doubted the drafting of Kristaps Porzingis and that has worked out well for the team so far. However, missing out on players like LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe last year did not sit well with the fan base. The Knicks need a lot of upgrades this year and it rests on Jackson to get things done. Fans have no interest in another losing season and Jackson knows it.
"We definitely [have] ideas about how to help this team. I don't think there are secrets or mysteries," Jackson said. "We have agents calling us up all the time trying to sell their players to us, so I think we're going to do just fine in free agency."
The Knicks have been linked to a lot of players heading into the offseason. Mike Conley and Rajon Rondo are being brought up. Al Horford is an option. Dwight Howard is looking to move to New York. Kevin Durant is a target, albeit an unlikely one. The Knicks have money to spend and now Jackson must determine who gets prioritized.
Carmelo Anthony is willing to do whatever it takes to make Jackson's tenure with the Knicks worthwhile. The franchise star has made it clear he is not seeking a trade and will do his best to recruit top talent to New York. If the Knicks fail again to land big stars to help improve the team, Bryant's words will fall on deaf ears.
