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“Gone in Two Years. Guaranteed”: Steve Kerr Reflects on the Knicks’ 2014 Coaching Opportunity
In the world of basketball, history often hinges on the smallest of decisions. A free agency signing, a trade deadline deal, or the hiring of a head coach can forever alter the trajectory of a franchise. Few examples illustrate this better than the story of Steve Kerr and the New York Knicks in 2014. Kerr, now a four-time NBA champion as head coach of the Golden State Warriors, recently reflected on what might have been had he accepted Phil Jackson’s offer to coach the Knicks instead of joining Golden State. His response was blunt: “Gone in two years. Guaranteed.”
This candid admission sheds light on the realities of organizational culture, the role of timing in sports, and just how fragile success in the NBA can be.
The Backdrop: 2014 Knicks vs. Warriors
In the spring of 2014, Steve Kerr was one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in basketball. A respected broadcaster, a former NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, and an executive with front-office experience, Kerr had the pedigree that made him attractive to multiple franchises.
At the time, Phil Jackson—newly appointed as president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks—set his sights on Kerr to bring stability and championship-caliber leadership to Madison Square Garden. Jackson envisioned Kerr as the perfect man to implement his signature triangle offense and lead the Knicks out of mediocrity.
On the other side of the country, the Golden State Warriors had just parted ways with Mark Jackson despite back-to-back playoff appearances. With a young, talented roster featuring Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors were desperate for a coach who could unlock their full potential.
Kerr was caught in the middle. His decision would not only define his career but also alter the fate of two of the league’s most prominent franchises.
Why Kerr Chose Golden State
Kerr has since explained that while the Knicks offered prestige and the allure of working under Jackson, the Warriors offered opportunity. The Warriors had an ownership group willing to invest in analytics, player development, and long-term sustainability. They were also in Northern California, close to Kerr’s family.
In contrast, the Knicks in 2014 were mired in dysfunction. Their roster was aging, their cap space was limited, and the franchise had been struggling for consistency for over a decade. Jackson’s insistence on the triangle offense also raised concerns, as the NBA was shifting toward pace-and-space basketball, emphasizing three-point shooting and versatile defense.
Looking back, Kerr has said that the decision ultimately came down to alignment: Golden State’s vision matched his own, while New York’s did not.
“Gone in Two Years. Guaranteed.”
When asked recently what might have happened had he chosen New York over Golden State, Kerr didn’t sugarcoat his answer: “Gone in two years. Guaranteed.”
That prediction isn’t far-fetched. The Knicks went through Derek Fisher, Jeff Hornacek, David Fizdale, and several interim coaches in the years following Kerr’s decision. Stability was absent, and the front office often clashed with coaching staffs. Fisher, who ultimately took the job after Kerr passed, lasted less than two seasons before being fired in 2016.
Kerr’s remark reflects an awareness that no matter how talented or intelligent a coach may be, the environment matters just as much—if not more. The Knicks of that era lacked the infrastructure to support a long-term vision, while the Warriors were primed to become a dynasty with just the right push.
A Franchise-Altering Sliding Doors Moment
The contrast between what happened in Golden State and what might have happened in New York is staggering.
- Golden State Warriors: Under Kerr, the Warriors became a modern dynasty. They won titles in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, revolutionizing basketball with their emphasis on ball movement, three-point shooting, and defensive versatility. Kerr earned recognition as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.
- New York Knicks: From 2014 to 2020, the Knicks cycled through losing seasons, constant turmoil, and an absence of playoff basketball. They became emblematic of dysfunction, a cautionary tale of how not to run a franchise.
Had Kerr joined the Knicks, it’s unlikely he would have had the time, freedom, or personnel to implement the philosophies that turned Golden State into a powerhouse. His system required shooters, unselfish players, and a patient organization willing to let it grow. In New York, the clock would have been ticking from day one.
Lessons in Culture and Timing
Kerr’s reflection underscores an important lesson in professional sports: success isn’t just about talent or coaching brilliance—it’s about fit and timing.
- Organizational Culture: A coach needs alignment with ownership and the front office. Golden State gave Kerr freedom, resources, and trust. The Knicks, historically meddlesome, might not have.
- Player Personnel: Curry, Thompson, and Green were tailor-made for Kerr’s offensive philosophy. The Knicks’ roster at the time was anchored by Carmelo Anthony, talented but better suited to isolation-heavy sets.
- Patience: Golden State gave Kerr the space to fail and learn, though he succeeded quickly. The Knicks have rarely offered that luxury to any coach.
This dynamic explains why so many brilliant basketball minds have flamed out in difficult situations, while others thrive in supportive environments.
Conclusion: A Career Defined by One Decision
Steve Kerr’s choice in 2014 is now viewed as one of the most pivotal decisions in modern NBA history. By turning down the Knicks, he aligned himself with a franchise ready to reshape the league. His blunt statement—“Gone in two years. Guaranteed.”—isn’t arrogance; it’s a realistic assessment of the dysfunction that plagued New York at the time.
Today, Kerr is a Hall of Fame–caliber coach with multiple championships, while the Knicks are only just beginning to find stability under Tom Thibodeau. It’s a reminder that in sports, as in life, sometimes the best decision is not about the biggest stage but about finding the right fit.
Had Kerr chosen differently, the Warriors dynasty might never have existed, and the Knicks’ cycle of disappointment would likely have claimed another victim.
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