Is change is a necessary step toward achieving basketball mental toughness, gaining a psychological advantage, and winning championships. According to Phil Jackson, Team President of the New York Knicks, “the time has come for change throughout the franchise.”

And though some may not agree with Jackson’s decision to fire, Head Coach Mike Woodson in spite of last year’s 54-win season the Knicks’ first playoff appearance in a decade, most would agree that for Knicks and anyone who desires success on the court or in life change maybe a crucial step toward transformation.

As a former professional basketball player, head coach of some of greatest basketball teams and players of all time and holder of six championship rings, Jackson knows a little something about making changes that lead transformations that bring victories.

It is the nature of sports, particularly basketball, to adapt to challenging physical and mental situations quickly and effectively. The same can be said for life. Successful companies, investors, parents and couples all know that accepting change and the challenges that come with them are an essential part of the game.

Overcoming challenges constructively builds mental toughness because it fosters confidence and knowledge. So when substantial changes—like the release of the head coach—come down, players, coaches and fans, agree or disagree, must embrace change in order to move forward.

Star forward Carmelo Anthony is no stranger to change. And though he may have played a different card than Jackson, he remains professional, expresses himself and adapts. “If it’s (time) for me to step up and take that next step and say, ‘OK, Mike Woodson needs to stay or go’ . . . I don’t think it would come down to that…I would back him.”

Tyson Chandler, on the other hand, has a different perspective. “I think there was probably some disconnect — probably some misunderstanding,” said Chandler. “I think we all have to be on the same page. I think that’s the biggest key. A winning culture — got to establish a winning culture.”

And while it is hard to prophesize if releasing Woodson will yield the kind of results New York fans are desperate for, a winning culture is essential.

In Chicago, Jackson built a winning culture through changes that helped cultivate some of the strongest and toughest minds in basketball history.

While most people believe that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all times, it was Jackson’s changes that brought Jordan a strong supporting cast which maximize team productivity by diversifying his game.

Transforming the Bulls into a dynasty through calculated changes enhanced the team’s confidence and ultimately they became mentally tougher than their opponents.

If the Knicks want to do the same, it’s important to embrace the change that has already occurred and focus on how this is will build mental toughness and a strong mental game, because this is what separates the best from the best.