Most seem to agree that Phil Jackson tried for a couple of years to get the Knicks to fire him so that he could collect his money without ever having to do anything. The "feuds" with LeBron and others over stuff Jackson said; his dogged intention to stick with the outmoded triangle; some questionable personnel decisions. In the end, Dolan fired him because he seemed willing to trade Kristaps Porzingis for way under value because of personal pique.
But was that so crazy? There is form on the careers of really big guys in the NBA, and it is not wonderful. Frequent down time and shortened careers. Manute Bol was out of the league by 32, and missed time during his career. George Muresan, who flared briefly for Washington, was done by 26. Yao Ming retired at 31, after a few declining years. Ralph Sampson was essentially ineffective by 27. Shawn Bradley, oft-injured, was gone by 32 and was a reserve his last few seasons. Foot problems are a huge deal for the giants.
So, was Jackson looking at Porzingis' stature and modest build and frequent down time while he grew into his body and thinking that he was at his highest trade value while he was impressing people with his potential?
Maybe. But there seems to be a divide. The the guys above--Bol, Muresan, Sampson and Bradley-were very tall. Looks like the borderline is 7'3-7'4. There you have guys like Z Ilgauskas, Rick Smits, Mark Eaton, who have long careers. And Porzingis is 7'3. As a fan that enjoys Porzingis' obvious enthusiasm for the game, it is nice to think he might well have a long, productive career, rather than flame out early.
TL
But was that so crazy? There is form on the careers of really big guys in the NBA, and it is not wonderful. Frequent down time and shortened careers. Manute Bol was out of the league by 32, and missed time during his career. George Muresan, who flared briefly for Washington, was done by 26. Yao Ming retired at 31, after a few declining years. Ralph Sampson was essentially ineffective by 27. Shawn Bradley, oft-injured, was gone by 32 and was a reserve his last few seasons. Foot problems are a huge deal for the giants.
So, was Jackson looking at Porzingis' stature and modest build and frequent down time while he grew into his body and thinking that he was at his highest trade value while he was impressing people with his potential?
Maybe. But there seems to be a divide. The the guys above--Bol, Muresan, Sampson and Bradley-were very tall. Looks like the borderline is 7'3-7'4. There you have guys like Z Ilgauskas, Rick Smits, Mark Eaton, who have long careers. And Porzingis is 7'3. As a fan that enjoys Porzingis' obvious enthusiasm for the game, it is nice to think he might well have a long, productive career, rather than flame out early.
TL
