Kurt Rambis’ time with the New York Knicks has hardly been a rousing success. Rambis, a long-time Phil Jackson disciple, landed a job as an associate head coach in New York during Jackson’s reign as team president, and was reportedly a very unpopular figure on the team.

Even with Jackson gone, Rambis is still with the team, and according to ESPN’s Ian Begley, Rambis’ presence on the team apparently had a big influence on Michael Beasley’s decision to sign with the Knicks this offseason.

Rambis coached Beasley in Minnesota during Beasley’s first year on the Timberwolves in 2010-11. Beasley went on to have the best season of his NBA career that year under Rambis as he averaged 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds in 32 minutes per game. However, Rambis was let go after a 17-62 season and Beasley has never come close to recreating that type of form.

Perhaps Beasley believes for some reason that reuniting with Rambis is what he needs to put up another stellar season. However, Beasley could potentially have a good season regardless of Rambis' help, especially if the Knicks do eventually part ways with Carmelo Anthony and Beasley likely gets to play a much bigger role on the team.