Phil Jackson gives upbeat message to Knicks season-ticket holders

It’s been a season to forget for the New York Knicks, and that’s why team President Phil Jackson is doing what he can to keep season-ticket holders from leaving.

In a letter and video message obtained by ESPN that was sent to season-ticket holders Monday, Jackson argued the Knicks are in position to grow stronger in the years ahead.

“We have made key roster moves to free up significant cap space that will provide us greater flexibility to acquire talent in this summer’s free agency,” Jackson said. “And for the first time in many years, we expect to have a top pick in the NBA Draft this June.

“These are key steps to building a roster of players that have both the talent and character to win in New York and who, alongside Carmelo Anthony, will become a team that can become a consistent winner.”

The Knicks have the NBA’s worst record at 14-60 and will likely have the best shot at winning the NBA draft lottery after losing 60 games for the first time in their 69-year history.

Jackson is in the second year of a five-year, $60-million deal with the franchise. Trying to turn around a struggling team has been a challenge for Jackson, who won 11 NBA titles as a coach, including five with the Lakers.

“We have a clear plan and expect our efforts to take really take shape as we enter the 2015 draft and free agency in the months ahead,” Jackson said in the video. “I ask that you remain optimistic and hope you will join us on our continued journey as we build a team that once again reflects the spirit of being a New York Knick.”