THE SIDELINES : Knicks Hire Jackson, 33, as Coach

The Knicks hired Stu Jackson as head coach of the team today, ignoring questions about his inexperience.

Jackson, 33, a Knicks assistant under Rick Pitino the last two years, has not had a previous head coaching job at any level. He is now the youngest coach in the NBA.

Jackson’s inexperience will be offset by two assistants with acknowledged skills in dealing with players--Paul Silas and Ernie Grunfeld. Silas is a former coach of the San Diego Clippers and a star forward for the Hawks, Celtics and SuperSonics. Grunfeld was the team’s radio analyst the last two seasons after retiring as a Knicks player.