Kerr ‘absolutely expects’ Knicks coaching offer

mr. 13 in 33 · Apr 18, 2014

Phil Jackson’s first real imprint on the Knicks organization will come when he names a new head coach or stuns the basketball world by retaining Mike Woodson. Among those waiting on the news is Steve Kerr, the former player and general manager-turned-broadcaster for TNT.
According to a source close to the situation, Kerr “absolutely expects” to be offered the job. “And if he’s offered the job, he’s definitely going to do it,” the source told The Post.
The Post has learned Kerr has had conversations with his bosses at Turner Sports about adjusting his schedule as an analyst during the upcoming playoffs should he be named the Knicks’ head coach.
Kerr’s name emerged as a top candidate based on his ties with Jackson. He was part of the Bulls’ three straight championship teams from 1996 to 1998 and the two have remained close. His knowledge of the triangle offense is said to be an asset.
Kerr might seem an unlikely choice considering he has no coaching experience. But that is becoming more common in the NBA. Mark Jackson went from broadcaster to first-time coach at Golden State, where the Warriors have made two straight playoff appearances. Go back a few years and Doc Rivers made a successful transition from analyst to coaching. Jason Kidd, who had no previous coaching experience, led the Nets to the playoffs in his first season.
Fellow TNT analyst Charles Barkley, though, didn’t exactly give Kerr a ringing endorsement and questioned what impact he could have.
“I just feel bad the way they treated Mike Woodson,” Barkley told The Post. “The Kerr thing could be interesting, but I don’t know what the player situation is. This league is about players, so it’s going to depend on what he has to work with. He’s not going to do anything better with this team.”
Woodson is expected to be fired with one year left on his contract after the Knicks failed to make the playoffs following a 54-win season last year. Everyone knows 37-45 wasn’t all his fault. The injuries and subpar performances have been well-chronicled.
But it’s troubling to hear Tyson Chandler talk on Thursday about how the Knicks need to establish a “winning culture” and Amar’e Stoudemire say some Knicks didn’t totally buy into the game plans and defensive strategies.
“Whatever it is, we have to stick to the game plan and try to master it,” Stoudemire said. He also said some players need to become more of “a pro.”
Woodson’s departure seemed inevitable until Carmelo Anthony spoke passionately on Thursday about his coach, saying: “I’ll back him if he needs my recommendation. I have nothing bad to say about Mike Woodson. I support him. I as a player had some of my best years under Mike Woodson.”
Jackson spent part of Thursday giving the Knicks one-on-one pep talks to soothe their bruised egos and encourage them to get better in preparation for next season. The next order of business should be naming his coach.
Regardless of who coaches the team, the Knicks’ top priority is to keep Anthony, who said he has plenty of questions that need to be answered before he decides his future. “This is not a decision that’s going to happen overnight,” he said.
Clearly, he doesn’t want to hear any talk that 2014-15 is going to be a wasted season to prepare for the 2015 free agency. Any notion otherwise might prompt Anthony to leave for a title contender.
“I feel like we gave away this year,” he said, adding, “I’m not at a point in my career where I want to rebuild.”
Barkley understands.
“Can he be patient for two more years? Those will be two of his prime years,” Barkley said. “Once you get to 30, you start to decline, and there’s no guarantee they’re going to bring anybody in either.”
How vigorously Anthony supports Woodson could determine whether the Knicks coach has any chance of staying. Kerr, meanwhile, is preparing to be ready if called.
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http://nypost.com/2014/04/18/source-steve-kerr-absolutely-expects-offer-to-be-new-knicks-coach/

Juxtaposed Jolt · Apr 18, 2014

I think the Knicks need a veteran coach, like Karl or Hollins. Brooklyn did fine under Kidd because, even though it took half a season or so to gel, BKN have guys who've been there before, in KG and Pierce.

There's just too many egos on the Knicks.

Jontro · Apr 19, 2014

I think Sir Charles would be better than Kerr as a coach.

Mr. Clutch · Apr 19, 2014

Well, apparently the Knicks have decided to Kerr on the side of caution.

basketballholic · Apr 19, 2014

Juxtaposed Jolt said: ↑

I think the Knicks need a veteran coach, like Karl or Hollins. Brooklyn did fine under Kidd because, even though it took half a season or so to gel, BKN have guys who've been there before, in KG and Pierce.

There's just too many egos on the Knicks.
Click to expand...

What the Knicks need is Daryl Morey.

A_3PO · Apr 19, 2014

Steve Kerr? Is Phil Jackson a crackpot?

Nook · Apr 19, 2014

Ahh the myth that Steve Kerr knows his head from his ass continues. A clean cut, unathletic white three point gunner.... He MUST be smart! In reality, he isn't ... He sucked running the Suns, he sucked as a commentator and he will suck as a head coach...

Dgn1 · Apr 19, 2014

Yes, Kerr to Knicks. Increases our chances of landing Memo.

cheke64 · Apr 19, 2014

If Phil hires him it must be because they are using the Mchale approach, a yes man that would implement Phil's coaching.

pippendagimp · Apr 19, 2014

can't wait to watch the NY media rip into this scrub day after day. even better would be if he picks up his fellow sperms homer sean elliott for ass-istant coach.

SuperBeeKay · Apr 19, 2014

Juxtaposed Jolt said: ↑

I think the Knicks need a veteran coach, like Karl or Hollins. Brooklyn did fine under Kidd because, even though it took half a season or so to gel, BKN have guys who've been there before, in KG and Pierce.

There's just too many egos on the Knicks.
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I bet Kerr is to Jackson as McHale is to Morey. The input of the GM/overseer is going to change the way they coach and manage the team but they will still get their words in too

krnxsnoopy · Apr 19, 2014

If this happens, Melo will leave lol

A_3PO · Apr 19, 2014

cheke64 said: ↑

If Phil hires him it must be because they are using the Mchale approach, a yes man that would implement Phil's coaching.
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I'm OK with the concept. Depends on the people involved.

The difference between Morey and PJ is Morey isn't 68 years-old. I don't think PJ has the energy to micromanage the Knicks franchise on a daily basis. He's more of a figurehead delagator.

AirBud#10 · Apr 19, 2014

Jontro said: ↑

I think Sir Charles would be better than Kerr as a coach.
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LOL, he would be an awesome coach.

Philip_Pines · Apr 19, 2014

If Kerr really said that, isn't it a little presumptuous of him to do so? Unless Phil already told him in the downlow........

Zergling · Apr 19, 2014

AirBud#10 said: ↑

LOL, he would be an awesome coach.
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"Our defense is turrible"

Aleron · Apr 19, 2014

Melo isn't staying, god he's using the same cliche lines than Dwight used.

afk · Apr 19, 2014

Melo is leaving. Either he goes to Chicago or Houston. Just a matter of does he want to play with Harden and Howard or Noah and Rose.

benchmoochie · Apr 20, 2014

Derrick rose still plays in his league? thought he was injured again

mr. 13 in 33 · Apr 29, 2014

Knicks want Kerr hired by early May

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Kerr ‘absolutely expects’ Knicks coaching offer

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