Derrick points out that offense is taking shape
AUBURN HILLS — Phil Jackson not only imparted triangle lessons to the Knicks guards, he also attempted to re-teach their passing techniques. Then Jackson told them he’d do it again, according to Derrick Rose.
“I think it was helpful. But then again, it was only one day so hopefully he comes back in the next couple of days, or next week, and shows us more things,” Rose said before Saturday’s game against the Pistons. “He said he would (hold a triangle seminar again). Right now, we just have to wait and see when that is.”
Jackson is operating like a traveling triangle coach, only he’s the team president. It’s incredibly contradictory for somebody who, as a coach, once kicked Lakers GM Jerry West out of the locker room because that space was for the team.
But apparently Jackson has different rules for himself. One of his big lessons, according to players, was two-handed passes that are released with a punch and a “ping” sound. Courtney Lee got a mouthful from Jackson about his passing. “Some passing techniques that’s new to a lot of us,” Lee said.
The Zen Master is getting back to basics …4/5 of the way into the season.
Contrary to Jeff Hornacek portraying Jackson’s lessons as monthly, Rose revealed Saturday it was the first time the 71-year-old held a triangle seminar with the guards this season. Rose also said the forwards were called in for a larger practice 30 minutes later, which contradicts the Knicks claim to the media that there was no practice.
Rose, who hasn’t been shy about his aversion to the triangle, said Jackson taught the system differently than the coaching staff. “He won championships with it so of course there’s a difference,” the point guard said. “He’s more detailed. He’s real specific about the way you enter a wall, the way that you cut, his terminology is different. Just hearing it from him, it was a different view, it was perspective on just the offense.”
Hornacek again downplayed the session, and wasn’t sure if the Knicks will use the stuff Jackson introduced in games.
“I don’t know there’s a difference in the things they already knew,” the coach said. “They still do those things. But it’s good to see those couple other things he says, go ahead and do. Whether they try them in the games, we’ll find out. It gives them something else to think about.”
There’ll be more to think about if, as according to Rose, Jackson has pledged to hold more triangle camps. “I guess I’ll be prepared for it,” Lee said. “Going to class, man.”