Jeff Van Gundy Endorses Mark Jackson as Next NYK Coach

Jackson stopped short of calling himself a candidate. But Van Gundy, the last Knicks coach to post a winning record, thought it was a good idea.

“Hey, he’s the right guy at the right time for the New York Knicks,” Van Gundy said.

That, of course, is the call that Walsh must soon make, but Jackson, while a popular choice, is no sure thing. Jackson has never coached at any level. The Knicks, with seven consecutive losing seasons, may need an experienced hand. There are several candidates with strong credentials, notably Scott Skiles and Rick Carlisle, and a number of highly regarded assistant coaches (including Tom Thibodeau, Terry Porter and Mario Elie).

But Jackson — born in Brooklyn, a star point guard at St. John’s and a Knick for five seasons — has obvious appeal in New York. [NY Times]