This article worries me too:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/story/155136p-136383c.html

Oak rips Wilkens as wrong choice

By FRANK ISOLA
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Charles Oakley questioned the Knicks' decision to hire Lenny Wilkens yesterday, saying his former coach "is too laid-back for New York."

"The players and the fans need a feisty coach," said Oakley, the popular former Knicks power forward. "New York doesn't want a laid-back coach but that's what Lenny is. I think Mike Fratello would have been a better choice.

"I can't say good call or bad call for the Knicks, but Lenny has to change his demeanor. If he reads this I hope he takes that advice like a man and doesn't take it personally. I'm just being real. I always loved Lenny ... until I got to Toronto and I played for him."

Oakley, speaking over the telephone, was stunned at the news that Wilkens was hired as Don Chaney's replacement. Oakley played for Wilkens during the 2000-01 season, the year the Raptors defeated the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.

Wilkens and Oakley clashed, particularly in the playoffs when Oakley began criticizing All-Star guard Vince Carter. Several of Oakley's teammates believed that had Oakley not pushed Carter, the Raptors would not have won the series.

"I stood behind Lenny; I was one of his captains," said Oakley, who expects to be signed by a playoff-bound team after the All-Star break. "But he didn't like being challenged. He can't say anything bad about me. I came prepared to practice and play every day. But when I said some things about Vince, Lenny turned his back on me.

"I'm a throwback player and I thought Lenny was a throwback coach. But I was wrong."

Another one of Wilkens' former players, who did not want to be identified, also feels Isiah Thomas is making a mistake.

"It's going to be a picnic around the Knicks and I'm pretty sure they don't need that," said the player, who is still in the league. "There is never any accountability with Lenny like you would have with Pat Riley."

When asked about Wilkens' practices, which are renowned for being short and easy, the player replied: "Practice? Just like Allen Iverson said, 'Practice? Come on now.'"

Posted by HARDCOREKNICKSFAN:

I am happy and optimistic moreso now than I have been in YEARS. Any real Knicks fan would be right now too.

I'm really optimistic about Lenny Wilkens. WIth a low post guy we can go to the Eastern Conference Finals. Maybe dance with the Pacers and beat them too.

whatever. What does too laid back for NY mean? is New York on a different planet or something? A good coach is a good coach no matter what universe he's on. Lenny was good even in toronto. Once your best and only good player goes down you're going to only win 30% of your games.

[Edited by - gunsnewing on 01/15/2004 08:08:29]