Hall of Famer Brown: Woodson, Jackson best for N.Y.
Larry Brown, the Hall of Famer and ex-Knicks coach from Long Beach, has read the list of the team’s coaching candidates and can’t think of anyone whose credentials top Mike Woodson’s.
Brown, Woodson and Knicks general manager Scott Perry were together in Detroit in the early 2000’s during glorious times for the Pistons. Perry was Detroit’s top college scout. Woodson was Brown’s assistant with the Pistons and also in Philadelphia.
“I’ve read a whole lot of qualified candidates, but I can’t imagine anyone being more qualified than Mike,’’ Brown told The Post in a phone interview.
“Mike’s family to me, we speak almost daily. I have a lot of admiration for him. He’s close to Bobby Knight. I think the world of him. When he was in New York, I thought he did a really good job. The year they struggled, they lost Jason [Kidd], Rasheed [Wallace] and Kurt Thomas. Those were three older, responsible leaders and great teammates. Mike loved New York. He had a great relationship with [owner] Mr. [James] Dolan.
“And Scott Perry is great. He’s a really good guy, approachable for a coach. He’s there supporting you and pretty knowledgeable as he’s coached before. He has a great feel. I know he had a great relationship with [Woodson]. That’s always helpful. There was a culture there. Scott recognized that.’’
Perry wants to bring that Pistons’ defensive identity to New York. Perry has consulted with Brown since acquiring point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, who nearly played for Brown at SMU before opting to play professionally for a year in China. Brown stepped down at SMU in July 2016 at age 75.
Woodson, who posted a 109-79 record as the most successful Knicks coach since Jeff Van Gundy, interviewed Wednesday in Los Angeles after the Clippers, for whom he’s an assistant coach, granted the Knicks permission.
“He was excited about the conversation he had with Steve and Scott,’’ Brown said. “He told me it went well. It’s not rocket science. It’s basketball. He had success [as a head coach] in New York and Atlanta and with me in Detroit and Philly, and he’s sat next to Doc [Rivers] the last four years. Those are pretty good things in his favor.
“The thing that separates the great teams from the struggling is management — coaches, presi- dents, owners are attached at the hip. To have Woody with Scott there is a pretty good formula for success.’’
Woodson led the Knicks to a 54-28 record in 2012-13, but the following season missed the playoffs by one game. Phil Jackson, who came aboard as president in March of that season with Steve Mills demoted to general manager, fired Woodson after the season finale. It has been an unmitigated disaster since.
“When a good friend who loves his job gets fired you’re always disappointed,’’ Brown said. “I was worried about him. I can understand, but the only disappointment Mike had about being fired is Phil never gave him a chance to talk about his plans. But when you come in with a new president, most of the time they’ll bring in someone they’re comfortable with. Mike never wanted to leave New York. He would’ve been comfortable coaching with Phil.’’
If Woodson doesn’t get the job, Brown said Mark Jackson could be a sound alternate pick. Jackson played for Brown twice — with the Clippers and Pacers. Jackson’s three-year coaching stint in Golden State where he had friction with the front office and coaching staff is a black mark.
“I have no comment on that — I was out of the league during that,’’ Brown said. “Mark’s really a bright guy. He had a great mind and a personality players on his team respected. They loved playing with him. But if you want to be a head coach you have to have an open mind, recognize your mistakes and learn from them. I’m pretty confident Mark will. He’s highly qualified.’’