Jeremy Lin Returning to Knicks 'Without a Doubt,' Says Mike Woodson
New York Coach Says He's Glad Phil Jackson Wasn't Called Up for Job After D'Antoni Dismissal
Mike Woodson, New York Knicks head coach, seems confident that Jeremy Lin will return to the Knickerbockers during the off season and recently spoke about competing with coach Phil Jackson for his job and the future of his team.
In an interview with ESPN radio, Woodson spoke about getting Lin to re-sign with the Knicks, since the point guard will become a restricted free agent in July.
"We'll get him back in uniform ... and get him ready for practice and camp and throw the ball in his hands and say, 'Let's go,'" Woodson said in his recent interview with ESPN NY. "That's what we're going to do when we get [Lin] signed."
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The head coach seemed confident that Lin would be returning to the team, despite weeks of speculation about which team he would play for next. However, Woodson expressed no doubt about Lin's return during his ESPN interview on Monday.
"Right now, he is our starting point guard, without a doubt," Woodson said. "I've always believed this: When a starter goes down he doesn't lose his job because of an injury. You welcome him back with open arms when he gets healthy and you keep it moving."
Still, the coach who helped the team get a 18-6 record after taking over for Mike D'Antoni at the end of the 2011-2012 season, admitted that the the Knicks had some things to figure out during their offseason.
"This summer is very pivotal for guys like Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields and all of our young players to improve in terms of getting better. We have to talk amongst ownership with Glen Grunwald about Steve Novak's future and trying to get him back in a uniform as well as J.R. Smith," Woodson revealed. "All of those things come into play in order for us to get where we are going next year and who knows we may add a piece or two."
Although Woodson seemed confident in his position with the Knicks, he admitted that he was relieved that rumors proved to be false surrounding the Knicks' interest in Phil Jackson, who many consider to be one of the best NBA coaches of all time.
"Well I am glad they didn't. I got a great respect for Phil and what he has done over the years and he's an excellent coach, but again I don't call those shots," Woodson explained. "Mr. (James) Dolan made the decision to bring me back and that's how it was. I'll be back coaching the Knicks next season."
