It has been a while since Knicks president Phil Jackson invoked the word “championship” — something he has won 13 times as an NBA player and head coach.
Jackson’s only references to titles during the Knicks’ 17-65 and 32-50 campaigns the past two dismal seasons were related to how the far the club was from such talk.
It was a refreshing change when the Zen Master got asked during Friday’s press conference what he would deem a success in 2016-17.
“Championship,’’ Jackson said before pausing a few seconds. “That’s everybody’s goal. All 30 teams want a championship. Everything behind that is how can we improve more. That’s basically it. That’s not our expectation. I’m not saying we’re going to do that, but that would be a successful season.’’
At least Jackson’s head is in the right place, with training camp beginning Monday after his roster retool spawns a marquee starting five of Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee, Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis and Joakim Noah. As Jackson noted, if there are not a lot of injuries, he believes he has a solid club, more than capable of re-entering the playoffs after a three-year absence — if not be a title contender.
Most important player
No matter Kristaps Porzingis’ growth in his second year, the Knicks are nothing unless Derrick Rose is back to All-Star level. On the first day of training camp last fall in Chicago, Taj Gibson elbowed Rose in the eye, breaking his orbital bone. It was an inauspicious start, as Rose’s eye injury forced him to miss training camp and placed him in a mask upon his return.
The knees held up and Rose played 66 games. But the Knicks need more good fortune for Rose, who will try to complete just his second training camp since 2012, as the specter of a $21 million civil sex trial beckons Oct. 4, unless settled.
Every Rose move on and off the court will be dissected as he plays for his first NBA team not located in his hometown. Rose had a full offseason of workouts for the first time in years, starting in May, adding yoga to the mix.
Most intriguing newcomer
He doesn’t come in with the big hype, but Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills got their unsung man in free agency in shooting guard Courtney Lee, after he turned down a larger offer from the 76ers. Arron Afflalo turned into a big disappointment, and the club was happy he opted out after warring with former interim coach Kurt Rambis and not embracing the pass-happy triangle. Lee is durable, defends and has a 3-point game. Scoring low double-figures would be gigantic.
Best position battle
With the starting five set in stone, the bench battles loom large. There is concern as to who becomes the backup center and backup point guard. The Knicks don’t want to trot out Noah for more than 33 minutes per game. Power forward Kyle O’Quinn, who underachieved last season, will be relied upon heavily. He showed up at July’s summer league looking leaner.
Rookie centers Willy Hernangomez, their 2015 second-rounder from Spain, is an adequate offensive force but may not be strong or experienced enough defensively. Fellow rookie center Marshall Plumlee, undrafted out of Duke, may not make the club.
Depth at point guard could turn into an unmitigated disaster if health woes plague Rose and Brandon Jennings, returning from a tricky Achilles tendon rupture. Stanford rookie point guard Chasson Randle dazzled in summer-league but is green. The Knicks may rely more on Sasha Vujacic as an extra point guard now that he has gotten the rust off from his European sabbatical.
Biggest health concern
With Rose’s situation well-documented, the glue piece, Joakim Noah, needs to revert closer to his Defensive Player of the Year form after two injury-marred seasons. Noah has had plantar fasciitis, knee woes and last season a major shoulder injury that reduced him to 29 games. His fiery, aggressive style is prone to getting beaten up.
Story that bears watching
The evolution of Jackson’s triangle under Jeff Hornacek’s watch will be full of intrigue — as well as how Anthony fits in. Jackson has given Hornacek latitude to incorporate fastbreak ideals. Brass has made no secret it needs Anthony to speed up his game.
Anthony, whose mood swings are always a source of concern, has to evolve as much as the triangle, which is the fallback set if they can’t get an easy look out of transition. Hornacek also plans to change some of the spacing of the triangle a touch to open up more 3-point shots. Hornacek’s relationship with Rambis also bears watching, with potential for awkwardness.