In the Knicks’ first three games, Jarrett Jack did not play in two and came off the bench for 18 minutes in the third. The Knicks lost all three.
In the Knicks’ next three games, Jack started each time at point guard. The Knicks won all three.
Discuss. And no, it’s not just coincidence.
“I’m just a piece to the puzzle,” Jack said. “I believe everybody has an overall responsibility and I just think mine is being that calming presence, trying to lead and direct guys, put them in positions where they can be most comfortable, most successful. And it’s translated into some wins.”
Jack overall has shot with numbers befitting a reserve: 9-of-25 (36 percent). But beyond that he has done what he always does, namely run a team with direction, smarts and leadership — and 24 assists, including 10 in the Knicks’ 116-110 win Monday over Denver at the Garden.
But forget numbers. Stephen Curry, during his acceptance speech for his 2014-15 MVP Award, cited the impact of Jack’s leadership. For some bizarre reason, former Nets coach Lionel Hollins took exception and said “too much is made of leadership.”
Please note the “former” before “Nets coach” when describing Hollins.
“That’s just my job, pulling guys aside or directing on the court while the game is going on,” Jack said. “That’s always been me, just trying to put people in the right spots. That’s something that was never hard for me.”
It has not gone unappreciated by his current coach.
“When things get crazy, he can get us into something, and he guides us, too,” Jeff Hornacek said. “He’s a thinking point guard. If some guy hasn’t had a shot in a while, he’s going to figure out a way to get him the ball. If somebody’s hot, he’s going to figure out a way to give him the ball. He’s out there thinking about the game. Jarrett is a veteran guy who’s really done a nice job finding the mismatch when there is one, getting the guy who’s hot, make sure he calls a play for that person. He’s just a good team leader that way.”
Jack was added by the Knicks as a potential mentor to rookie Frank Ntilikina after his two previous seasons were reduced to rubble by injury. Jack tore an ACL in January 2016, and that ended his time with the Nets. Last year, he played just two games with New Orleans because of torn knee ligaments. Now, six games into his Knicks career, he already has shown his worth.
“We have a lot of talent on this team,” said Jack, who relieved Ramon Sessions of the starting job after the three losses. “Just a little bit of organization, a little bit of direction. I thought this team would be a lot better, a lot more competitive than we showed early on in the season.
“I love all of it. The highs, the lows — probably the lows more because it really shows the type of character you have in those moments. When everything is going great, everybody is all smiles, high-fiving. But the adverse situations, really just shows you can maintain those characteristics through the good and the bad. For me, it’s just another hurdle to try to get over.”