Knicks Rumors: Phil Jackson Knows Who He'd Draft With #1 Pick

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson has suffered through this deflating 2014-15 NBA season just like everyone else associated with the team, but he also made it clear in a presentation to season ticket holders on Thursday that the team's year spent at the bottom of the league could be a "godsend" in disguise.

From the New York Post:

When asked if he knows whom he would draft with the top pick, should the Knicks win the draft lottery, Jackson said, “I do.”

During a 45-minute presentation to season-ticket holders at the Garden's Theatre, Jackson also was asked what he cherished more in a big man — the ability to pass and score or be a dominant defender.

“Defender,'' Jackson said to applause, adding to the irony of his trade of Chandler last offseason. “That's a good starting point — a guy like Tyson Chandler and the defensive passion they have to have. So many screen and rolls, so many 3-point shooters, a player of size has to cover and protect the basket but also step out defensively and do defensive work on the extreme part of the floor. It's very important for that player to have defensive capabilities.''

“This is our opportunity, and it may be a godsend,” Jackson said.

“I can make the argument we had to go through it. S–t happens and this season it did happen to us.''

The Knicks are currently 14-62 heading into Sunday's home matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers -- good for the worst record in all of the NBA.

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