UPDATE: The press conference ended around 11:50 AM ET, and the video is now private. However, you can check out some knee-jerk analysis below and see video of the most important part of the press conference here.
The Knicks bring Phil Jackson aboard as their president today in an attempt to revitalize their garbage franchise. Watch live as a new era, hopefully, begins. James “Darth” Dolan and Steve Mills are in attendance, as is Spike Lee, who has nothing better to do.
Knee jerk analysis below:
-Dolan makes several jokes, no one laughs.
-Dolan says that Phil will be in charge of ALL basketball decisions. We’ll see about that.
-Phil comes to the podium and notes that he doesn’t have prepared remarks, that he’ll “shoot from the cuff.” (Dolan read from a sheet of paper.)
-Phil wants a healthy team that plays “system” basketball (not necessarily “The Triangle”).
-Phil says that the fans need a positive atmosphere, as do the players. That would be a refreshing change.
-Phil finishes by telling a story about a kid getting his car crushed by a rock, says that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere…? Drops the mic.
During Q&A:
-Dolan says he is “willingly and gratefully” giving up control of the team to Phil. Mhm. (He sounded awkward and ashamed.)
-Phil says he’s moving to New York to do the job the right way. Minimal Montana commutes, then.
-Phil makes jokes about nice California weather, crappy New York weather. YOU KNOW NOTHING OF WINTER, PHIL.
-Phil on Mike Woodson: “We’ll have discussions.”
-Phil tells story on his chance to be Knicks’ coach in 1989 — comparing the late 80s Knicks and Bulls: “I think the Knicks can win a title win Patrick Ewing; I think the Bulls can win two or three with Michael Jordan.” …And the rest was history.
-Phil says his past championships/career in New York factored into returning. “There’s no better place to win than New York. It definitely had an impact.”
-Dolan: “I am by no means an expert in basketball.” Derp.
-Dolan asked if the money he’s paying Phil will affect ticket prices — he does not answer. He gets prompted again, and he says “We won’t raise prices…” until the team gets better.
-Ukraine joke?
-Phil looks at this as an opportunity, not a “possible failure chance.” Wants the team to love each other.