Warriors nab Mark Jackson for head coach job, ending Knicks rumors

Mark Jackson was chosen by the Golden State Warriors to be their new head coach, ending speculation among New York fans that the former Knicks point guard would replace New York Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni in the current shakeup, which included the departure of Knicks President Donnie Walsh.

The Warriors fired Coach Keith Smart on April 27 after the NBA team went 36-46 last season.

Jackson played for the Knicks from 1987 to 1992 and from 2001 to 2002. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1988 and was a 1989 All-Star. He has not coached or helped coach a team in the NBA but has served as an analyst and commentator on ESPN, ABC, and The YES Network since retiring as a player.

D'Antoni has a contract through next season, and it's an expensive one--$6 million. The Knicks may hang onto him rather than pay two coach's salaries. Also, the players and teams are poised for a collective-bargaining fight that could truncate or eliminate the 2011-2012 season, so making a big move before next spring might not make sense.

Speculation that the Knicks would pursue Phil Jackson, who has said he plans to sit out next season to deal with health issues and ponder his next move, further cement D'Antoni's job in the short term, as Jackson won't be available until 2012.

Mark Jackson was a finalist for the Knicks head coach job in 2008 but was passed over in favor of D'Antoni.