Phil Jackson: "What we have to do is protect our future"

Phil Jackson spoke Monday morning to a grumbling of beat reporters, his first media availability in weeks. If the Knicks post a video of the press conference, I will share it. In the meantime, here are some things Dad said that stand out to me:

On the team's start and response to the system:

Phil Jackson says of #Knicks (4-18) "obviously we're dissapointed. Says "there's some resistance to discipline, order and culture change."

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 8, 2014

Phil: "We see some guys who don't have the skills...but they will learn those." #Knicks

— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) December 8, 2014

"I think right now we have a loser's mentality because we're not finishing games," Phil says.

— Scott Cacciola (@ScottCacciola) December 8, 2014

Phil on goals: "We're trying to win one game. And then if you win one, you can win two." #Knicks

— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) December 8, 2014

#Knicks' Phil Jackson says he is not bothered as much by the wins & losses as he is when he doesn't see "hustle" or "conscious play."

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 8, 2014

#Knicks Phil Jax sez he's taking big picture approach for progress: "Having a complete game is what I’m looking at, not moment to moment"

— Fred Kerber (@FredKerber) December 8, 2014

#Knicks Phil Jax says after every game: "I review it with Derek and with Kurt Rambis I sit down after I’ve digested it, reflected on it"

— Fred Kerber (@FredKerber) December 8, 2014

On trades:

Phil on trades while protecting cap: "What we have to do is protect our future.'' Jackson said opportunities aren't "jumping out at us.''

— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) December 8, 2014

On the possibility of making a trade, Phil Jackson says he wants to maintain future flexibility and would only deal for a long-term fit.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 8, 2014

Phil on trades: "I'm not going to make movement for movement's sake...I don't see anyone who doesn't want to be part of this organization."

— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) December 8, 2014

Phil: "I'm not going to make movement for movement's sake. But sometimes there's addition by subtraction.''

— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) December 8, 2014

DAD!

On free agency:

Phil Jackson acknowledges that he is worried about how the losing may affect how free agents view the team. "Im not happy about that."

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 8, 2014

On tanking and the draft:

Asked #Knicks' Phil Jackson about the potential benefit of losing & getting a high draft pick. "We're not thinking in those terms," he said.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 8, 2014

but

Which NBA executive said the following today? "We obviously are solicitous of our draft pick." (Spoiler: Phil Jackson.)

— Scott Cacciola (@ScottCacciola) December 8, 2014

On Carmelo Anthony:

Phil wants to see Melo "flesh out the rest of his game." #Knicks

— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) December 8, 2014

Phil Jackson says he's pleased with Melo's development. Says he's continued to talk to him about committing to defense, offensive rebounding

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 8, 2014

On J.R. Smith:

.@PhilJackson11 says he met w/ @TheRealJRSmith to discuss his ability/need to lead 2nd unit. #Knicks

— Jonah Ballow (@jonahballow) December 8, 2014

Candid Phil Jackson on JR Smith: "JR had a really bad week out in Texas and Oklahoma."

— Scott Cacciola (@ScottCacciola) December 8, 2014

On Andrea Bargnani:

Phil on Bargnani: "We're so disappointed with Andrea's condition. He's disappointed by it." #Knicks

— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) December 8, 2014

In summary: I see a president trying to tickle everyone's ear holes at once at a trying juncture. That's what presidents do. He wants us to know he's unhappy with losing, but cares more about the quality of play than the final result. He wants to encourage the guys on the team, but acknowledges some of them aren't in the long-term plans. He's looking at trades, but only with long-term goals in mind. He won't tell you he's tanking, but hell yeah he's thinking hard about that draft pick. Phil Jackson offered a bit of something for everybody. Just like the scattered start to Derek Fisher's coaching career, you'll find whatever meaning you're looking for in Dad's words.