Jackson was not permitted to comment on player who has not declared for Draft…
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson has landed the franchise in trouble as they were fined for his comments on Ohio State freshman D’Angelo Russell.
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The NBA did not disclose the amount that they had fined the Knicks, but they did confirm that it was in relation to Jackson’s comments over Russell, with the league prohibiting teams and league officials from publicly commenting on amateur players who have not declared for the NBA Draft.
The 69-year-old crossed the line when he described Russell as “a great-looking kid” and a “great prospect” last week while at a Ohio State-Nebraska game, according to ESPN.
Meanwhile, it isn’t the first time that Jackson has been fined as Knicks president as he also received a penalty for tampering with then-Oklahoma City Thunder guard Derek Fisher.
Jackson made it publicly clear that he wanted his former player to become coach of the Knicks. thus breaking the NBA rules which prohibit teams from direct or indirect expressions of interest in other teams’ impending free agents.
While he will now hopefully make a conscious effort to avoid further disciplinary action, the Knicks will be looking to continue their scouting in-house as they are expected to have a top Draft pick in June.
The franchise has endured a miserable season this year as they are 12-47 which is the worst record in the league and leaves them rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
However, with their top Draft pick in hand as well as significant salary cap space to sign free agents, Jackson and Fisher will hope to rebuild the roster this summer.
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