It's hard for New York Knicks fans to stay positive these days, but president of basketball operations Phil Jackson sent a video message to season ticket holders pleading with them to "stay optimistic."
The Knicks are enduring the worst season in franchise history as they enter Tuesday with a 14-60 record, making them the worst team in the entire NBA.
Still, Jackson believes there is reason for optimism and a bright future for New York.
"While I know this has been a challenging season for our team on the court, I can also tell you that everyone in the organization is working tirelessly to get our Knicks back to a place where we are once again competing at the highest level," Jackson said in a video, according to ESPN.
Jackson also touched on the roster moves the team has made to prepare for free agency this offseason as the Knicks are expected to be armed with around $25 million in cap space. Aside from an aggressive free agency, New York is also looking to rebuild through the draft.
"We have made key roster moves to free up significant cap space that will provide us greater flexibility to acquire talent in this summer's free agency," Jackson said. "And for the first time in many years, we expect to have a top pick in the NBA Draft this June. These are key steps to building a roster of players that have both the talent and character to win in New York and who, alongside Carmelo Anthony, will become a team that can become a consistent winner."
Jackson, who signed a five-year pact reportedly worth $60 million to become president of the Knicks just over a year ago, acknowledged New York's shortcomings this year as the team lost 60 games for the first time in franchise history.
"Despite the disappointing 2014-15 season, we are steadfast in our resolve to do what is necessary to deliver on our ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to New York," Jackson said.
The Knicks won just 37 games last season, but came into the 2014-15 campaign with optimism under the tutelage of Jackson as team president. Instead, a long winter filled with myriad lengthy losing streaks turned the team into a laughing stock and a bottom-dweller in the NBA standings.
Jackson is preaching patience as the Knicks prepare for a busy summer in free agency and hope to secure the top pick in the NBA Draft through the lottery.
Jackson is confident in his plan and he asked the fans to stay optimistic as he begins to shift things around in New York.
"We have a clear plan and expect our efforts to take really take shape as we enter the 2015 draft and free agency in the months ahead," he said. "I ask that you remain optimistic and hope you will join us on our continued journey as we build a team that once again reflects the spirit of being a New York Knick."
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