The Phil Jackson impact on the New York Knicks franchise is already starting to be felt in many different ways. Although the team making the playoffs is still up in the air at this point with the Knicks trailing the Atlanta Hawks by two games, the future is potentially bright with Jackson at the helm.
— Celebrate March Madness With 25% Off The Entire Store! Use Code: FutureLaker —
One player that has already rumored to be interested in returning to New York due to Jackson’s presence is former Laker/Knick forward Metta World Peace according to Marc Berman of the New York Post:
World Peace has told confidants he yearns for a second chance as a Knick after his first stint went sour. When asked if the former Ron Artest wants another shot at New York when he’s a free agent this summer, the confidant told The Post:
“Abso-bleeping-lutely.”
World Peace asked for a buyout of his contract with the Knicks last month with the desire to become a free agent and sign with a legitimate title contender for the upcoming playoffs. The one-time NBA champion has yet to sign with new team with the postseason approaching, but may end up doing so depending on the interest moving forward.
Along with showing a desire to continue playing, World Peace is quite fond of Jackson and would love another shot to play for Hall of Famer next season. It is uncertain the level of interest the Knicks may have in bringing back World Peace after being bought out by the team recently, but with limited options, Jackson may elect to bring in familiar faces like World Peace to begin the rebuilding process in New York.
World Peace was seen with Jackson in a suite at the Staples Center watching the Knicks take on the Lakers in Los Angeles earlier this week. World Peace received a hero’s welcome at Staples while the Knicks struggling to compete with the Lakers.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Meets With Jim Buss, ‘Goal Is To Win And Win Now’