NBA Rumors: Knicks Owner Won't Commit to Walsh Because Of Isiah Thomas
New York Knicks owner James Dolan has until April 30th to decide Knicks President Donnie Walsh's future with the club.
According to the New York Post, an NBA source has claimed that Dolan will not commit to Walsh, because he would still like to bring former president Isiah Thomas on board.
During Thomas' time with the Knicks, he traded away top draft picks for Eddie Curry, traded away Channing Frye and was accused of starting a fight against the Denver Nuggets. Of course, we can't forget that he was sued for sexual harassment, costing the team $11.6 million.
Most importantly, his winning percentage while coaching the team was an abysmal .341.
Despite Thomas being one of the most hated men in New York, Dolan has made it clear that Thomas is "a good friend of mine and of the organization and I will continue to solicit his views. He will always have strong ties to me and the team."
Currently with Walsh, the Knicks are on pace to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
The team did fail to acquire LeBron James in the offseason, but Walsh still made moves to help the team. Amar'e Stoudemire is being considered for MVP honors and Raymond Felton is a possible All-NBA candidate. Landry Fields is also proving to be one of the NBA's best rookies.
The fact that the team is playing better than they have in the last decade raises questions as to why there is any debate over whether or not the option to keep Walsh a fourth year has not already been decided.
It does seem that the return of Thomas is almost a guarantee, assuming of course that the there aren't developments restricting it from happening.
The NBA is currently investigating more problems Thomas caused while with the Knicks. Scout Rodney Heard, who was hired by Thomas, may have ran illegal workouts with draft prospects. If the NBA finds this to be true, a return may not be possible for Thomas.
Can Knick fans get that lucky?
Probably not.
The end of Donnie Walsh with the Knicks seems to be getting closer and closer. Walsh doesn't seem to mind though, and is focused on finding ways to improve the team.
"I haven't heard the issues from Mr. Dolan," Walsh said. "I think he wants the franchise to be going in the right direction. I hope it is. If it isn't, then I understand."
