Jack Always Sees It Through

Before we get into whether or not Jarrett Jack will finish this season in a Knicks jersey, a little insight into the veteran point guard who has done everything the franchise has asked of him – including not playing much of late.

When Jack decided to make himself available for the 2005 NBA Draft after his junior year at Georgia Tech, his mother Louise, father, Carlton, and brother, Justin, asked for a promise – when the time is right, go back and get your degree.

In December of 2014, 10 years after he was the 22nd pick, Jack graduated from Georgia Tech. He didn’t take online courses or basket weaving. That’s not how it works at a rigorous university such as Tech. Jack had to attend class.

When u know its real!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/vAIi4t4ZZd

— JARRETT JACK (@Jarrettjack03) December 13, 2014

“I remember my professor was like, ‘What are you doing here? You have a job that pays pretty well,’’’ Jack told me at the time. “Man, it’s just something personal between me and my family.’’

It’s no wonder that this was Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek’s response when was asked how Jack, who had been the starting point guard most of the season, was handling his lost playing time.

“He’s a great pro — he understands the situation with our three young guards,” Hornacek said. “If you sit anywhere near the bench, you hear him all game, encouraging them, trying to give them things to look out for during timeouts. It’s like another coach out there for the point guards.’’

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That Jack even is in this position is a little surreal. He signed a non-guaranteed, one-year deal with the Knicks in September. He was coming off two knee injuries.

The Knicks had used their first round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft on point guard Frank Ntilikina. Jack, 34, was expected to be a veteran resource for the 19-year-old rookie.

Jack did more than mentor. He won the starting point job and took Ntilikina under his wing.

When the Knicks promoted Trey Burke from the Westchester Knicks of the G-League and acquired Emmanuel Mudiay in a trade deadline deal with the Denver Nuggets, they too were enrolled in Professor Jack’s class.

Jack continues to mentor but he has a different podium.

After Kristaps Porzingis was lost for the season with a knee injury, the Knicks fell out of playoff contention. The franchise decided to give the majority of point guard minutes to the young players.

Jack has not played in the last four games – including Friday night’s 128-105 loss at the Los Angeles Clippers – since the All-Star break. He was the only Knick that didn’t play.

Thursday’s waiver deadline came and went with Jack on the roster. Of course, anything can happen in the final month and a half of the season.

“Obviously I’d like to be on the court, but they’re allowing some of these young guys to get opportunities, show where they’re at against other guys in this league,” Jack said. “It’s a coach’s decision.”

“All you can do is sit there and be a professional and help them when you’re not in the game. And if they did call you, still be ready.’’

Now that you know that Jack is a man of his word and a professional, you know he will be ready. Jarrett Jack always sees it through.

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