A little idle conversation
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- April
- 17
While the conversation drags on down at the MSG training facility, we should tie up some loose ends.
There is no official word about the future of Isiah Thomas, but there is a possibility his sideline tenure has already been revoked. Donnie Walsh is considering another role for the architect of this mess. Thomas knows he needs to remain active in the organization in order to get another job in the league.
He is hoping the Knicks come back and contend next year with players he landed. It might result in a professional renaissance, ala Billy King.
Thomas probably won’t get another chance to coach in the NBA after going 56-108 with a team that spent lavishly to acquire mismatched talent. He might have to rely on a so-so record in the front office and hope potential future employers overlook the sexual-harassment fiasco.
It was a bad season to suffer a collapse.
Despite a 23-59 record, the Knicks have roughly a 7.5 percent chance of winning the draft lottery. The exact same record two seasons ago gave them roughly a 20 percent chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Walsh is most likely going to be holding the fifth or sixth pick.
We’ll find out May 20.
Did you see where Mark Jackson announced he wasn’t returning to YES during the final Nets telecast? Hmmm. Just a couple of weeks ago he was completely happy sitting behind the microphone. I wonder if somebody called to set up a coaching interview. And we probably shouldn’t assume it was a kindly gentleman named Walsh.
The carousel is beginning to pick up speed.
In the coming weeks Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Memphis and Milwaukee could also be conducting a search for new leadership. And there’s probably a chance Dallas and Denver will make a change, depending on how the postseason works out. Competition for good people is plentiful.
Make sure you vote in the new poll. We’re getting a little ahead of the game, but what the heck.
UPDATE (12:48 p.m.) The Bulls have decided to part ways with interim coach Jim Boylan according to the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times. The Bucks have said goodbye to Larry Krystowiak, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal. And if you want to see whether Jackson talks about the Knicks, he’s working Game 1 of Phoenix and San Antonio on Saturday at 3 p.m. and Game 1 of Nuggets and Lakers on Sunday at 3 p.m. Both games are on ABC, and will include Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen, so it shouldn’t be difficult initiating a discussion about the Knicks.
This entry was posted
on Thursday, April 17th, 2008 at 10:09 am by Mike Dougherty.
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It sure does seem strange that the NYK only have a 5% chance at winning the draft lottery. A lot of teams had to tank it pretty good for that to happen. Mike, do you guys have a list of how the worst teams finished and what their records are? As for coach, I’d like to see someone who will focus on defense, such as Thibodeau get the job. If it’s going to be Jackson, perhaps they can bring Thibodeau in (for BIG $$$$$ of course) to be his main assistant and get him acclimated.
MJ,
I goofed on that number, I think it should be roughly 7.5%. Just go to NBA.com and look at the standings in reverse order. Miami, Seattle, Memphis and Minnesota all had 22 or fewer wins. Bad timing is going to hurt Thibodeau. He’s likely to be involved in a lengthy postseason run and Walsh wants a coach in place before the draft. The NBA Finals usually end just a couple of days before.
Mike, Donny should at least, interview Bill Laimbeer and the 6ers’ under Billy King have done what again, look elsewhere!! As for the draft, a shot blocker, Lopez, maybe Jordan and Thabeet, if he comes out. If they get lucky and land #’s 1 or 2, trade down, let others have Beasley and/or Rose, and collect picks!!