http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/story/163769p-143515c.html

New York Daily News - http://www.nydailynews.com
Dolan dreaming
of June
By FRANK ISOLA
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Thursday, February 12th, 2004

NEW ORLEANS - James Dolan isn't just talking about making the playoffs anymore. The Madison Square Garden chairman believes the Knicks have a chance to be working right through June.
"I'd like to see us go all the way, of course," Dolan said last night. "I think this team could. I don't think anybody would say that's not possible. They're only getting better. There is no reason to think that they're not going to continue to improve."

Buoyed by the addition of point guard Stephon Marbury, Dolan's outlook has changed dramatically over the past two months. But the most dramatic shift Dolan has made is his philosophy behind building a winner. Whereas character was the buzzword when Scott Layden was running the Knicks, Isiah Thomas has been given free reign to bring in any player he feels will improve the team.

That includes Rasheed Wallace, Dennis Rodman and yes, even Latrell Sprewell.

In Isiah, Dolan trusts.

"I think Isiah has real good judge of character," Dolan said before the Knicks' loss to the Hornets last night. "If you look at Stephon's reputation, I don't think Stephon deserved that reputation and I think he's proven that. I don't think that Isiah would bring on someone who he thought would be detrimental to the character of the team. I trust his judgment."

When Dolan was asked if that meant he would sign off on any player Thomas wanted to either draft, trade for or sign, he began to laugh, knowing that included Sprewell.

After the Knicks traded Sprewell for Keith Van Horn, Dolan questioned Sprewell's character and the impact it had on the team last season. That acquisition created a war of words between Dolan and Sprewell that turned ugly on Dec.22 when Sprewell, now playing for Minnesota, returned to the Garden and repeatedly shouted profanities at Dolan. The league fined Sprewell for his actions.

"You know what, I would sign off on anyone he would bring in including any active player in the NBA," Dolan said. "If Isiah really wanted to do that."

After watching the Knicks fail to make the playoffs for two years, Dolan is excited about his team being a hot ticket again. Thomas' decision to pursue Eddie Griffin and now Wallace shows that the Knicks' top priority is winning. Model citizens need not apply. Unless they've got game, of course.

"I'm comfortable with every move Mr. Thomas has made," Dolan said. "It's fun for me to just sit back and watch him do his work. And not have you guys look and me and ask if I'm going to do something."

Dolan credited Steve Mills, the Garden president, for laying the groundwork to hire Thomas, who in turn brought in Marbury. Mills said Marbury was a player Layden always wanted, but the circumstances - timing, contracts, players being offered - never quite worked out.

"I don't think Steve and I thought we'd see this level of success this quickly," Dolan beamed. "It's a lot easier to sit in my seats than it was a month and a half ago."

Poor Dolan... taken out of context...

Buoyed by the addition of point guard Stephon Marbury, Dolan's outlook has changed dramatically over the past two months. But the most dramatic shift Dolan has made is his philosophy behind building a winner. Whereas character was the buzzword when Scott Layden was running the Knicks, Isiah Thomas has been given free reign to bring in any player he feels will improve the team.

That includes Rasheed Wallace, Dennis Rodman and yes, even Latrell Sprewell.

This should be interresting to see if IT ever goes after Spree.

Yeah like the t-wolves would just hand us spree back...

Houston, Doleac and Thomas for Sprewell and Cassel and a throw in?

The TWolves are looking really good this year and must be thinking (with some basis, unlike Dolan) that they have a real shot at a title. They're not going to give up any of their key players unless someone offers them a lopsided deal. Maybe in the off season. But even then, unlikely.

As to Dolan's championship talk, I'm torn, I must admit. Part of me thinks this was a "don't forget about me, I work here too." kind of a comment. Self-aggrandizing and useless. Also kind of frontrunning ... now that we're doing good, want to draw attention to myself. The other part of me is happy that management isn't afraid to talk about big goals. It's hard to achieve more than you set out to, so I'd rather every one in the organization shoot high.

I replied to a similar topic on another knicks website.

I still think Dolan is a SOB. How could he say something as stupid as that, he's just mocking Spreewell and the FANS. You are out of your minds if you think Spreewell would come back. ONLY if DOLAN got on his hands and knees and apologized to Spree.

Think about it, DOLAN and LAYDEN put US through SHIT for 2 years and now he's joking and making stupid remarks.

That FAT PUDGY UGLY LIL MUTHAF*CKA! I wish there was a way to watch the games/support the team AND not make this Dofag character any money. He's lucky I'm a huge fan, haha.

He gets no respect in my book, he's a little weasel, I bet you it was HIS idea to trade Spreewell in the first place.

DITTO