NEWS NOW: “We Want Mark! We Want Mark!” — 1987 MSG Flashback Echoes as Mark Jackson Announces Shocking Return at 60 Following Knicks Fans’ Tweet
On this day in 1987, the energy inside Madison Square Garden was nothing short of electric. The NBA Draft was in full swing, and as each pick passed without hearing one particular name, a palpable buzz began to form. The tension finally erupted when the New York Knicks found themselves on the clock—and the crowd inside MSG unified in a deafening chant:
“We want Mark! We want Mark!”
They were calling for one of their own—Mark Jackson, the smooth, smart, and skilled point guard from St. John’s University, just a subway ride from the Garden. And finally, with the 18th pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, the Knicks made the crowd’s wish come true, selecting the hometown hero and igniting one of the most heartfelt moments in the franchise’s history.
But now, nearly four decades later, that iconic chant is making headlines again.
In a twist that has stunned both fans and insiders, former Knicks point guard Mark Jackson announced his sudden return to basketball at age 60, citing inspiration from a viral Knicks fan tweet that resurfaced the legendary moment. The tweet featured a clip of that draft day chant, prompting a flood of nostalgic reactions—and one unforgettable decision.
📱 A Tweet That Sparked a Comeback
The moment was innocuous enough: a Knicks fan account posted a video of the 1987 draft crowd roaring for Jackson with the caption, “We still want Mark. Always have. Always will.” What followed was a viral firestorm of memories, messages of admiration, and even light-hearted pleas for a comeback.
And then, just a few hours later, Jackson responded—first with a wink emoji. Then came the bombshell announcement.
“I’m not done yet,” Jackson tweeted. “The game never left me. And I never left it. Let’s run it back—one more time. #WeWantMark #UnfinishedBusiness”
Knicks Twitter erupted. NBA media scrambled to confirm the legitimacy of the statement. And within 48 hours, it was official: Mark Jackson, at age 60, is returning to the game.
🏀 A Storied Career, an Enduring Legacy
Mark Jackson was never the flashiest guard of his era, but few were more cerebral, composed, or reliable. In his rookie year, he averaged 13.6 points and 10.6 assists per game, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors. His methodical play, court vision, and savvy made him a leader both on and off the court. Over 17 seasons with teams including the Knicks, Pacers, Nuggets, Raptors, and Jazz, Jackson finished with over 10,000 career assists, ranking him among the all-time greats.
He later transitioned to a successful broadcasting career and eventually served as head coach of the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2014, laying much of the foundation for the dynasty that would follow.
Still, Jackson’s heart has always remained in New York. He has been a vocal supporter of the Knicks, often seen courtside and never shy about expressing what the franchise means to him.
🏙️ “New York Never Leaves You”
In a short statement released after confirming his return, Jackson elaborated on what pushed him to lace up his sneakers again.
“New York never leaves you. That chant from ‘87 lives rent-free in my heart. I see what the Garden’s become again. I feel the love. And I want to be part of the culture, part of this energy—even if it’s just to remind people of what passion looks like.”
It’s unclear what Jackson’s return will look like. While a player comeback in the traditional sense seems improbable, sources close to the Knicks say he could be planning to suit up for one final ceremonial game, participate in veterans’ exhibitions, or even play a role in the team’s Summer League coaching or mentorship program.
Regardless, fans aren’t asking for 40 minutes and double-doubles anymore. What they want is Mark—the presence, the leadership, the connection to a time when the Knicks represented a different kind of toughness and identity.
🎤 The Echoes of the Garden
The 1987 chant didn’t just change the course of that draft night—it became part of Knicks lore. It signaled that the fans had a voice, and that voice demanded heart, hometown pride, and authenticity. Jackson delivered all of that and more during his years in New York.
To hear that chant echo again, now at a time when the Knicks are enjoying a rebirth, feels like a full-circle moment.
Whether or not Jackson actually logs an NBA minute at 60 is almost beside the point. His return—however it takes form—is symbolic. It’s a gesture of gratitude. It’s a nod to fans who never stopped chanting his name.
📝 Final Thoughts
In a sport defined by youth, speed, and change, Mark Jackson’s story reminds us that legacy has its own kind of power. And sometimes, all it takes is one fan’s memory, one tweet, one chant to awaken a legend.
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, one thing is clear: Mark Jackson’s return is more than nostalgia. It’s a testament to the bond between player and city—a love story that began with chants of “We want Mark!” and now, nearly 40 years later, still finds its voice in the heart of New York.
Welcome back, Mark. The Garden never forgets.