Jackson has been rumored to be next in line for the New York Knicks, and O’Neal says he could replace Mike D’Antoni on the sidelines. Jackson was a member of the Knicks’ only two championship teams, so his connection to the city is strong. The Zen Master brought several titles to the Lakers, and he most definitely can do the same in New York with the Knicks.
Shaquille O’Neal also credits Jackson for changing his outlook and attitude towards the game of basketball. He claims his struggles on Miami occurred because he did not believe the coaching styles were the ones that could win championships. O’Neal understood how valuable Jackson’s teachings were and he did not want to let that go.