Written by Marc Berman at NY Post.com
Whether Kurt Rambis is Knicks head coach for the last time Tuesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse hasn’t been determined. What has been determined is Rambis will return in some capacity next season — whether as offensive coordinator or assistant general manager, according to sources.
That’s part of the reason Rambis talks about the Knicks’ future as if he’s definitely part of it. Two weeks ago, Knicks president Phil Jackson told confidants he had not made up his mind on his former Lakers triangle compadre, who will carry a 9-18 record into the Knicks’ season finale against the Pacers.
The Post reported last week Jackson still was heavily considering Rambis because it would allow him greater input. A subsequent online report statedJackson was “pushing” for an extension for Rambis. That same website backtracked Monday and claimed Jackson has been intrigued by former Cavaliers coach David Blatt.
A source told The Post Blatt would be a long shot — unless Jackson decides to start passing the torch to GM Steve Mills, who played in the same backcourt at Princeton as the former Cavs coach. Blatt, an Israeli coaching legend, was an usher at Mills’ wedding, and The Post reported last June Mills has brought his name up to owner James Dolan in the past. It would be a neat compromise, if Jackson is to leave after next season as his contract allows.
If Jackson keeps Rambis as head coach — along with the triangle offense — it would be a sign he is committed to finishing out his five-year contract that expires in March 2019.
Many fans are baffled by Rambis’ involvement, even if some of the logistics of the move make perfect sense. Despite his denials, Rambis is a Jackson puppet, and the Zen Master will have a lot of control over the day-to-day goings-on.
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