Phil Jackson expects New York Knicks to make playoffs next season

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson insisted on Tuesday that his struggling team can make the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference, but conceded a few adjustments are in order for the spacing in the triangle offense.

"Why not?" Jackson told WNBC-TV when asked if the Knicks could qualify for the postseason. "I don't know what's so great about what's out here in the East. We can fill that role."

With new coach Jeff Hornacek at the helm, the Knicks likely would have to improve significantly from last season's 32-50 finish in order to snare a playoff spot in the East. The Detroit Pistons recorded 44 wins to stave off the Chicago Bulls (42-40) en route to securing the eighth seed in the East this season.

Jackson also cited the game's reliance on the 3-point shot as reason to change his offensive philosophy.

"The 3-point line has become our affection, because it means more when we make a 3-point shot. So the spacing has changed dramatically," Jackson told ESPN, but did not go into specifics. "So the triangle can still be a part of that, but it has to adapt."

High-scoring forward Carmelo Anthony was unable to keep the Knicks from posting three losing seasons in a row. New York has won one playoff series since the 1999-2000 campaign.

Anthony paced the team again this season with an average of 21.8 points per game. Forward Kristaps Porzingis finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest.