Phil Jackson’s tenure as a Knicks front-office executive ended on the wrong foot. The “Zen Master,” three years removed from coaching the fabled Los Angeles Lakers, tried to salvage another organization — this time with unflattering results. His stint in New York was characterized by public relations wars and toxic relationships. It was time for him to move on.
So he did. He wished Knicks fans and “the Knicks organization all the best — today and always.” And that was it. Phil Jackson left the Big Apple without any playoff appearances — or fanfare, for that matter.