The Knicks welcomed Phil Jackson back to the franchise Tuesday, calling him "one of the most admired and successful basketball minds" who knows how to win.
The team introduced the 11-time champion as team president at a news conference.
Jackson was on the Knicks' only two championship-winning teams, in 1970 and 1973, before retiring as a player in 1980. He went on to win 11 more rings as a coach with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
On hand for the announcement were Jackson's former teammates, Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Dick Barnett.
"Welcome back to where it all started, your original home in the NBA," said team owner Jim Dolan.
Jackson said he was eager to build the team and said the Knicks had suffered from a lack of continuity and solidarity in recent years.
"As we go forward, we have a great chance and a great opportunity," he said.
Some players said last week they are confident Jackson can be a winner as an executive.
"Phil knows what to do and how to build teams and how to win, that's the most important thing," Carmelo Anthony said. "When you know how to win, whether you're a coach or whether you're in the front office, that stands out."
