GREG LOGAN

June 24, 2006



If Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury is under the impression that his cozy relationship with team president Isiah Thomas will remain intact when Thomas takes over as coach, he might be in for a big surprise.

Since Thomas traded for him more than two years ago, Marbury has relied on Thomas as a mentor and close family friend. They are neighbors in Westchester County, and Thomas supported Marbury through his feuds with Larry Brown last season.

But as a Hall of Fame point guard who led Detroit to NBA titles in 1989 and '90, Thomas is fully aware of Marbury's strengths and weaknesses. One NBA personnel expert predicts rocky times ahead for the Thomas-Marbury marriage.

"I don't think it will last because I don't think Marbury can do what Isiah could do," the personnel expert said. "Isiah will realize that.

"Marbury isn't a straight point guard. Isiah could do both. He could score and he was a great point guard. Marbury is a very good scorer and a fair point guard. Larry had him playing OK last season, but he's not a guy who can see the floor and know instinctively where guys are."

Although Marbury said he grew from dealing with Brown's demands, he likely can expect more freedom under Thomas, who emphasized offensive skill in building the Knicks. Marbury hasn't been available for comment since Thursday's coaching change.

Thomas is not expected to talk before Monday. According to Knicks public relations head Barry Watkins, there will be no formal news conference to announce the coaching change. Owner James Dolan and Thomas will meet only with beat reporters early next week.

Herb Williams remains as lead assistant under Thomas and player personnel director Brendan Suhr is expected to assume more of the front-office burden. But no additions are expected to the coaching or personnel staff.

Thomas coached Indiana from 2000-03, compiling a 131-115 record. The Pacers made the playoffs all three seasons but failed to advance past the first round. However, Indiana CEO Donnie Walsh gives Thomas credit for developing a young team that included budding stars Ron Artest and Jermaine O'Neal.

"We had a very young team, and I thought he did a good job with our team," Walsh said. "He was bringing Jermaine along, and Ronnie was 22 or 23. I do think he can develop the young kids. They look up to him. He's kind of a heroic figure to them, and he knows how to use that."

I think Zeke will do just fine here....

I can see that he might have some trouble with Marbury but at least he has Marbs respect right now and he wont badmouth him to the press. It is a step in the right direction, and maybe Zeke can now teach him directly since he will be the coach. People need to have a little faith - LB was the wrong choice for this team, he is mentally not all there. Anyone who signs a 50 million dollar contract and pulls the kind of BS larry pulled deserves to be fired and not paid. He breached his contract on several occasions, bad mouthing to the press, tanking the season, etc. No boss should ever stand for that kind of disgrace.

Thomas may not have any rings as a coach, but he did have some results - what have the Pacers done since he left? Jack squat. It's not all him that couldnt get that team out of the first round. Lets see what he can do with the Knicks. I am tired of hearing about a flawed roster. Miami was flawed and dysfunctional too then they hit the playoffs and gelled. A little winning goes a long way. I dont think we will be a Miami type story but I have no reason to believe next season will be remotely as bad as this season was for NY.

isiah is going to make marbury the sg.

this is going to end badly. both of them could very possibly be gone by the end of next season.

there is too much spotlight and stress on isiah's shoulders. and then when the anucha thing rears it's ugly head, it will only intesify it.

the knicks will have to win early and often to diffuse anything.