As fans of former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson mobilize for his comeback to the sidelines, a fervent fan movement is sweeping the NBA community. Fans are taking to the streets, and perhaps Madison Square Garden’s front doors, to express their increasing annoyance at the coaching openings that are getting filled while Jackson is still unemployed.
The rallying cry has been a picture that has gone viral on social media: a call to action for fans to write the NBA commissioner and insist that Mark Jackson be appointed as the team’s next head coach, specifically in New York. If nothing is done, the widely shared message even calls for a protest outside Madison Square Garden, saying:
“We must demonstrate against Mark Jackson’s hiring if we have to stand in front of Madison Square Garden!”
Former NBA commentator and point guard Mark Jackson earned a great deal of respect throughout the league for helping to build the Golden State Warriors’ foundation. Many give Jackson credit for creating the culture, developing young players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and establishing a defensive mentality that lasted throughout the Warriors’ legendary run, even though Steve Kerr was ultimately responsible for leading the team to a title.
Jackson has not been coaching since 2014, despite his leadership reputation and impressive resume. His name comes up every summer as a possible candidate, but he is consistently passed over, a pattern that many supporters and former players believe is unfair.
“He has made amends. According to an unnamed former NBA player, “He’s a culture-setter, a teacher, and a motivator.” Many coaches are repurposed. Why not try again with Mark?
In this movement, the city of New York is also significant. Before winning NBA Rookie of the Year and All-Star status, Jackson, a Brooklyn native, excelled at St. John’s. Fans have been speculating and hoping that he would be the leader to finally bring stability and grit to Madison Square Garden because of his ties to the city and the Knicks’ current coaching situation.
One thing is evident as NBA coaching positions are rearranged this offseason:
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