Amid the Donnie Walsh hoopla was an interesting report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that says Bucks owner Sen. Herb Kohl acknowledged he vetoed a trade with the Knicks that would have sent Zach Randolph to Milwaukee for Bobby Simmons, Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell.
"I don't want to impugn him, because I've never met him," Kohl said in the story. "Zach started out in Portland, and at the point they traded him, they really wanted to do that. He did not help them win. Then they traded him to New York, and within six months they wanted him out. They were prepared to trade him to the Bucks or anyone else. And he had three years, plus this year, remaining on his contract, which was over $50 million. Now any owner, I submit, who would not take an interest in that and would not want to be a part of that decision, is not doing his job."
We should remember Isiah Thomas went out of his way to say a report about the Milwaukee-Knicks situation was false. Now it is revealed that what was false was Thomas' claim, not the report.
Or is it that Larry Harris, who was fired by the Bucks yesterday, wanted to present this to the Knicks but first brought it to Kohl's attention? Kohl then shot it down before Harris even called the Knicks, which is why Isiah can say it never was something he discussed.
With 15 players on the roster, a one-for-three deal for the Knicks would mean two players would have had to be cut.
Regardless, it's just another example of why as a reporter -- and a reader -- you can't trust every bit of information you receive. Almost everyone has ulterior motives.
Comments (12)
Alan - to which I might surmise, he knowingly entered this position agreeing to take instruction from Dolan; he has never been an independent or honest actor. That means disinformation to you guys as a matter of principal. That means for the players, the coach is a b!#ch, big house style. Dolan's contempt for pretty much anyone and everyone, and Zeke's capitulation to his program has been well documented by you.
That again is my fear, about ruining players by bringing them to this den of thieves, and about sufficiently ambitious and pliable Coaches/GMs/Executives who would give up their autonomy in a faustian bargain with Dolan. You gotta wonder who could (possibly have autonomy) and who would (take the job knowing they would be controlled), take on this job given what has been revealed about life on Dolan's Animal Farm
If the Knicks could have found anyone to take Zach Randolph it would be the best news I have heard in a while. I don't know why Isiah would deny it. Also, I don't think it would be a problem to find two more people to cut, since the current players have 50 loses.
KnicksDefense – I’ve also been assuming that Stern has been working behind the scenes to, let’s say, “assist” the Knicks in finding a suitable replacement for isiah. I feel funny about being grateful to Stern for coming to rescue. And yet, when you look at the incompetent management team Dolan has assembled . . . they can use all the help they can get.
ALAN,
History and records would clearly reveal that the almighty Septic ThomASS will say and do anything if there's a slight hint that it may benefit him.
Said another way, Znake Thomas is a born liar.
What else is there to refute?
* Won't it be unprecedented that Commissioner Stern is intervening on the team's behalf to get rid of a Coach/GM?
* Wasn't the rally to oust Zneaky an unprecedented event?
* Pacer fans have stayed away from home games in droves to display their displeasure. How come they can do it but not New Yorkers? Are there that many tourists and freebie tickets out there?
As first time visitor to this blog I now know why all the attention is on Marc Berman of the POst's blog. He goes out on a limb, is not afraid to be cotroversial and give some insight into this mess of a team. To say fire Isaih is old news. Our ears have been ringing since training camp. Dolan does not care what we think or do. He did not care when people switched to sattelite TV. He does not care that people switch to Verizon FIOS. So why should he care that nobody watches on his MSG network or his new MSG+ new name same stink.
Lets go Rangers
No matter what GM we bring in, I just hope he's smart enough to bring in Tom Thibodeau to interview for the head coachin job.
Trane,
If Stern really wants to expedite the resurgence of the Knicks franchise, he should make sure new york gets a quality pick in this upcoming draft :D
hey, if the all-star voting system is bogus, mvp voting system is bogus, even the dunk contest voting is bogus (birthday cake was a 50), might as well declare the draft bogus and ask Mr. $tern to hook up the home town that has been hurtin' for far too long.
the league has passed us by, time to catch up with some top talent.
Bad news Alan, Cablevision is rumored to be interested in buying Newsday. It appears there is a good shot the paper will be sold, unless a joint operating agreement with the NY Post is signed to save on expenses.
If Cablevision buys Newsday, how will Dolan restrict his own reporters?
hey, if the all-star voting system is bogus, mvp voting system is bogus, even the dunk contest voting is bogus (birthday cake was a 50), might as well declare the draft bogus and ask Mr. $tern to hook up the home town that has been hurtin' for far too long.
rememeber the Ewing Draft and the controversial Ping Pongs.
If Dolan Buys Newsday then Alan do yourself a favor and start covering the Yankees.
Alan,
Dolan is coming for you. And you thought the MSG media policy was restricting...?
Imagine when JimmyD has a homing device embedded in your media credentials that'll zap you anytime you ask a "funny" question of Zeke.
Hey, if Jimmy buys Newsday...does that make Zeke your boss?
Ewing and the controversial Ping Pongs? Um...you might want to check your history.
Anonymous,
Zeke isn't even the boss of his own players, let alone any sports writers. He should stick to selling popcorn from now on. He's better at it than running a basketball team.