|
djsunyc
Posts: 44927
Alba Posts: 42
Joined: 1/16/2004
Member: #536
|
Thomas Assesses Search for Coach
by Tom Kertes
GREENBURGH, NY, May 5, 2005 --- The looming imminence of the NBA Draft. A quartet of talented college players working out for the team. Even with this busy plethora of goings-on going on, there was a whole lot of Phil Jackson conversation as Knicks President, Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas talked to the media on Thursday at the team’s Madison Square Training Center.
Still, Thomas understood. “When you look at the resumes and the body of work he’s put together, Phil, along with Larry Brown, is a cut above,” smiled Thomas. “I don’t think anyone else coaching today can talk about being at that level. Other guys out there are real good, but Phil…It’s like myself when I was a player. I was good -- but I wasn’t Michael Jordan.”
Jackson, of course, may choose another team -- or not coach anywhere next season. “I think he’s still trying to decide about those things,” said Thomas. “I think he’s been pretty up front about his health and his energy. He’s been up front with us and with everyone else. Phil’s a pretty deep thinker -- and he’s got a lot to think about in terms of where he’ll live, the length of what may be his last contract, his legacy, and all those other factors.” In reality, “we, meaning the people trying to hire him, are probably more concerned with his legacy than he is,” said Thomas. “We talk about legacy. But that word actually never came out of his mouth.”
“He’ll take his time,” added Thomas. “And you want a guy like him to take his time and make the right decision for himself.”
“I got the sense that wherever he decides to go, he’ll put all his heart and energy into it. I don’t think rebuilding really comes into it all that much. The Lakers didn’t make the playoffs and neither did we. Or Cleveland, or Minnesota. So wherever he ends up, it’s going to be dirty work. But yes, it’s safe to say that New York holds a special place for him.”
When Thomas and Jackson met, “we talked about players, we talked about personnel,” said Thomas. “But any coach that we hire, any coach that we’ll have, will have a say-so in personnel. Phil, and everyone else, understands where we are.”
“I think that there will be a second meeting with Phil Jackson,” added Thomas. “However, in the meanwhile let’s not forget that there are other attractive candidates. And we have talked, and will be talking, with a number of them.”
“There are some very good coaches out there,” said Thomas. “(Ex-Minnesota Timber Wolves mentor) Flip Saunders has definitely proven he’s one of those guys.”
Thomas again maintained his strong interest in Herb Williams, who along with assistant coach Michael Malone are taking part in all the pre-draft workouts. "As you go around and talk to a lot of different coaches, it's important to understand we have a good one here right now," said Thomas. "Herb did a great job for us. And throughout this process, he's been a real pro. The thing that I admire most about Herb Williams that he wore the uniform -- and he placed the Knicks ahead of himself. He wants what's best for the Knicks. I admire him and I thank him for giving us this opportunity to go and talk to people without being unprofessional about it."
“We feel that the Knicks job is a very attractive job,” said Thomas. “We have six draft picks over the next two years and a young core to build upon. Still, it’s going to be dirty work here.” Thus whoever ends up the coach must be fully prepared and ready for that.
|
5/3/2006 1:52 PM
