http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/29421.htm

STARKS GETS FRONT OFFICE POST

By MARC BERMAN

September 30, 2004 -- John Starks, arguably more popular among Knick fans than Patrick Ewing, is back with the Knicks, joining their front office, according to sources.

The announcement has not been made, but The Post has learned Starks will replace the departed Willis Reed as the club's goodwill ambassador. He has not been given a title, but Starks will work mostly in community relations and will have an expanded role on MSG Network's telecasts. Last year, Starks did some halftime studio work for MSG.

Reed, who left to join New Orleans, had minimal basketball responsibilities. Starks, at least at the start, will have none, according to a source. Starks has been based in Tulsa, Okla., but plans to move the family to Connecticut on Sunday. Starks had been the coach of the ABL's Westchester Wildfire the last two springs.

Across the last two years, Starks has received thunderous standing ovations whenever introduced as a Garden spectator, even though last June was the 10-year anniversary of his championship-killing 2-of-18 brickfest in the 1994 Finals in Houston. The fans have forgiven Starks, who just published his autobiography, "My Life," with the foreward written by Spike Lee.

Starks is very much into coaching. When he made an appearance at the Knicks summer kids basketball camp in July, he spent a half-hour teaching technical shooting drills.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/story/237087p-203544c.html

Starks joins front office

The Knicks are close to hiring John Starks for a front-office job that would include basketball and community-relations duties.

Starks, one of the most popular players in team history, will also continue his work as a part-time broadcaster for MSG Network. Starks has coached the Westchester Wildfire in the USBL for the past two years and is hoping to become an NBA head coach one day.

Another famous Knick, Hall of Fame guard Earl Monroe, is also expected to have a bigger role with the club.

The Knicks reached out to Monroe after Willis Reed left the team to take a front-office position with the New Orleans Hornets.

Frank Isola

Originally published on September 30, 2004

He is a guy that did much with very little talent and a whole lot of effort and heart.

But, what is he doing teaching shooting!

I could see him being a coach in the same vein as Doc Rivers

What about the Reggie Miller headbut?

Now all we need is Ewing back on the bench.

i'm young enough that one of my only memories of starks as a player was that last game against houston when he kept chucking bricks from downtown. and i wasn't sad to see him go because we got spree for him, who is still up there with my favorite all time knicks. but as i've seen more of him in replays of old games and highlights, i've appreciated what he brought to the team and how great a player he was. hopefully he'll be a part of returning the winning mentality to the knicks this season and in the future.