Be very afraid. But also be very happy.
We'll know more this afternoon, when Donnie Walsh is introduced to the media as the new leader of the Knicks franchise, but the very fact that the team has decided to introduce him now, with games still left in the season, it leaves a great deal of curiosity about Isiah Thomas' future with the team.
Check Ken Berger's blog for some details that he put together last night in Milwaukee. Ken is currently en route to New York and we'll hook up at the Garden later today.
The immediate situation is that Thomas will coach tonight in Memphis. You would think if he was out, he would be done now. Perhaps he has agreed to finish out the season as a compromise to a nice severance package. That seems the most likely situation. We know Dolan likes Thomas and we reported in January that the plan would be for a mutual parting of ways after the season.
But maybe Dolan convinced Walsh to keep Thomas in the organization in some capacity, be it as coach or some other role. This part should be a concern because that may suggest that Thomas still has Dolan's ear and his loyalty. But it also could mean Dolan will leave it up to Walsh to decide what to do with Thomas down the road.
Stay tuned...Gracie isn't here yet (due tomorrow) and my wife has promised to hold out while I run off to the Garden for the press conference. I'll update the blog as often as possible to keep you posted so check here for updates. The minute we know about Isiah, et al, you'll know!
Comments (3)
I can't believe Walsh would agree to allow Isiah to stay in the building. I don’t trust Isiah, Dolan, or Mills. If true, I think the Walsh hire was just to appease Stern and won’t change the culture or decision making on the team.
Btw, the myth that Isiah is some great talent evaluator has been shattered. Which means he brings NOTHING to the table.
Good luck, Alan with Gracie!
And today is a very good day for Knick fans. Walsh would not have taken this job without all power to make every decision affecting the Knicks franchise.
He is a pro, is savvy, and is well respected. I am quite sure that Thomas will coach his last game in Indiana in two weeks. Thankfully.
A new day is dawning.
Went over to Ken's blog - you guys are a great tag-team. For the Fixer's delight, I had to grab yesterday's opening lines from the Insider:
Milwaukee – So I dropped my dog off at the kennel yesterday before heading to the airport for my flight to Milwaukee. Dr. Parver at Animal Medicine & Surgery of Little Neck – a loyal Newsday reader – asked where I was headed. San Antonio for the Final Four?
“Nope,” I replied. “Going to Milwaukee.”
“Why?” Dr. Parver asked.
“To watch the Knicks play the Bucks,” I said.
A long pause ensued, and Dr. Parver’s face became contorted with a befuddled expression.
“Oh, dear God,” he said.
Oh dear God indeed.
Well, I guess us Munchkins will have to hold off the "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" number for a while, but we'll keep our tap shoes shined.