Will the Knicks be able to add one of the top assistants in college basketball to Tom Thibodeau’s staff? Entering the weekend, some in the Knick organization were optimistic that Kentucky assistant Kenny Payne would choose to make the jump to the NBA, per sources. Payne joined John Calipari’s coaching staff at Kentucky prior to the 2010-11 season and was promoted to associate coach in 2014. Prior to working at Kentucky, Payne served as an assistant coach at the University of Oregon. He also played four NBA seasons with the 76ers from 1989-1993. He’s considered one of the top assistant coaches in the NCAA and is certainly one of the highest-paid assistants in the sport.
Storyline: Knicks Front Office
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Given Payne’s salary at Kentucky, it’s safe to assume that the Knicks would have to make a generous offer procure the coach. Would that set the market internally for what they’d have to pay other Thibodeau assistants? That’s unclear, but something worth keeping in mind as the Knicks put a staff together. Payne, as previously noted, has a close relationship with top Knicks executive William Wesley and has other ties to the Knicks organization. He has been known to coach big men at Kentucky, including Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns. “KP is one of the best development coaches in the world,” Towns told The Athletic last year. “KP is the horse beneath the jockey driving Kentucky basketball.”
Jeff Goodman: Kentucky associate head coach Kenny Payne is weighing an offer to join the New York Knicks organization, source told @Stadium. Payne has strong ties to new Knicks executive William Wesley and also Leon Rose.
Knicks president Leon Rose and senior vice president William Wesley were hired primarily as a conduit to luring stars, but Stoute believes he can form a Big 3. “With having Leon in, World Wide Wes and myself, the three of us, we’re the best sort of team as it relates to being able to speak with free agents,’’ Stoute said over the weekend on the “Breakfast Club” podcast. “Our relationship with talent to bring them to New York. They haven’t had this level of talent in the last 10 years that can go out and pitch free agents and convince them why New York is great.’’
Stoute was brought on in January to help recharge the image of James Dolan and his woebegone Knicks. According to a source, Stoute is tight with Stephen Curry; Klay Thompson; LeBron James; James’ agent, Rich Paul, who also reps Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant; and Durant’s agent/manager Rich Kleiman.
“James Dolan is misunderstood,’’ Stoute said. “He’s certainly brash. As a sports fan, I love an owner willing to invest and pay for talent. It’s a risky business. When you go get Phil Jackson, there’s a guy who spent a ton of money to get Phil and he failed. And he went out and got Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo [Anthony]. They’re trying and spending money. It doesn’t always work out the way you want it to be.’’
According to an NBA source familiar with the situation, Robinson lobbied to have the Knicks’ top prospects who weren’t getting enough NBA time to spend a few games — or weeks — in the G-League to gain rhythm and grow confidence. Perry rejected the notion, feeling it would be perceived as too big a demotion and felt practice time as well as being around NBA coaches was more vital, according to a source. Robinson’s counter was that during the NBA season, practice time and scrimmages are limited.
On a Zoom call, Rose faced questions for the first time from the media as he introduced Thibodeau as their head coach. “We have not set a timeline. We are taking it one day at a time. We felt Tom was that coach who can take us with development to becoming a perennial winner. That happens one step at a time,” Rose said. “At the moment we don’t know what the roster will be moving forward. We have decisions we have to make. The important thing is to instill the culture, focus on the development and take it from there.”
But Rose also has taken a slow path through this process, doing his due diligence with the candidates — even if league sources have believed many of the 11 to be simply favors for old acquaintances at CAA, getting names of agency clients out there, with some not believed to be real candidates for the head-coaching job. Even some with previous experience, such as Mike Woodson, are believed to be more in line for an assistant coaching position. Mike Miller, who has served as the team’s interim head coach, is expected to be a part of the staff no matter who gets the head job.
The Knicks made sweeping changes to their front office this year, in hopes of reversing a two-decade trend of ineptitude. They hired power agent Leon Rose from Creative Artists Agency to become team president. Rose in turn hired William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley, a noted power broker and player confidante, as a top assistant, along with respected front-office veterans Walt Perrin, Brock Aller and Frank Zanin. But their task likely just got tougher, especially when it comes to wooing marquee players. “I think it’s a big black eye on the Knicks as an organization,” said an agent whose firm represents multiple stars, referring to the club’s silence. The agent, who is Black, added, “It will continue to be something that players look down upon, and it further explains why guys like Kevin Durant [passed on the Knicks]. You got all the resources and all the richness of the NBA, and still people don’t want to associate themselves with it.”
That is disconcerting not only to Knicks employees, but to a number of Black executives, players, agents and others around the league who spoke to B/R. “If you’re going to have a diverse employment force, then in this situation you’ve got to represent them and speak out against this,” said a Black team executive who has worked in the league for more than 20 years. “Otherwise, you’re sending a message to them that you’re ambivalent about it. Now you allow yourself to be questioned. And by the time you do come out and say it, then people doubt your sincerity.” The team executive and others interviewed for this story requested anonymity to preserve their working relationship with the Knicks.
The Knicks still have another critical hire to make in the front office. Craig Robinson left the organization, a league source confirmed, to take over as the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Robinson had been the Knicks’ VP of player development since 2017, when he was hired by former president Steve Mills.
Mike Vorkunov: Sean Maclean started with Knicks today as an exec part of Brock Aller’s basketball strategy team, according to a source. He’ll be working alongside Michael Arcieri & others. Maclean worked in strategy lead roles at Capital One and Stack Sports before this. https://t.co/lQb9GQq9g5
Mike Vorkunov: Craig Robinson has left the Knicks, a league source confirmed, and the organization needs a new player development czar. The Knicks have another big front office hire to make. theathletic.com/1926749/2020/0…
Last week’s Knicks press release quoted new executive VP William Wesley on his “long history with and respect for Jim Dolan.’’ Sources confirm Wesley has been in the Knicks owner’s ear for 15 years, working behind the scenes. As is his custom. A Knicks coach from the Glen Grunwald era verified the influence of “World Wide Wes.” “When we were there, I was told he listened to ‘World Wide Wes’ more than he did Grunwald,” the coach told The Post.
Anthony was represented by Creative Artists Agency, and Mills was reputed to have close ties to CAA. (Wesley, according to a source, served as a chief confidant of Anthony’s during his Knicks stint.) Now CAA is officially running the Knicks with the Leon Rose-Wesley tandem. After Rose agreed to terms in February, The Post quoted a source, stating, “MSG and CAA have been in bed for years. This shouldn’t be surprising.’’
League executives believe Rose has done well in surrounding himself with a strong team of advisors. Dolan, despite the economic crisis from the pandemic, has again shown willingness to shell out money to aid Rose. “Leon doesn’t think he’s the smartest person in the room,’’ one executive said. “He’s surrounding himself with smart people.’’
Two former Knicks blasted the new front office, with Rasheed Wallace calling the hirings of Leon Rose and William Wesley “a brain fart” by the organization and Stephon Marbury labeling Wesley, in particular, a “world wide sucker.” Marbury didn’t get into specifics during his social media rant, but Wallace said the executives carry baggage into their new jobs because of their dealings as agents and won’t have the respect of players because they lack a basketball background.
“I mean damn, it can get worse. We all think they’re going to hit rock bottom but [the Knicks] keep going lower and lower,” Wallace told hosts Bonzi Wells and Zach Gelb on CBS Sports Radio. “I’m just a little bit confused by it, if you ask me. It’s one thing to have a former agent and agency coming in and giving you their input here and there, but to hire them full time, you’re taking on a lot. Because now, unfortunately, [Knicks owner James] Dolan is taking on their baggage.
“Whoever they had beef with or problems with, now it’s going to come up and affect them. Now that they have those executive positions with the Knicks they might not get these certain players. Or just going through the grapevine because there could be other agents mad at Leon Rose for trying to do this and that when he was an agent. It’s going to be interesting man. My thought is more power to them, I was with them for a while but this is a just brain fart right here.”
There’s at least one person who hates the addition of William “World Wide Wes” Wesley to the Knicks’ front office. Former Knick Stephon Marbury slammed Wesley on Twitter on Thursday afternoon. “Did you really just now bring world wide sucka to the New York Knicks? And I ain’t talking about a sucka like the sucka we call a sucka,” Marbury said in a video posted to his Twitter account. “Really? You brought this dude here? Why? I’m a real New York Knicks fan. I’ve been a New York Knicks fan since I was a spit. Come on Dolan, man. You gotta be kidding me, man. You brought this dude here? Really? What’s going on, man? There’s gotta be an explanation. Not him! Of all people, you bring this dude here? You bring him to NYC? To New York? He don’t got no credibility here! Nah.”
The Knicks’ hiring of “World Wide Wes,” aka William Wesley, was universally praised on Wednesday as a forward-thinking addition by new team president Leon Rose. One former Knick, however, is against it. Stephon Marbury blasted the move, calling Wesley “world wide sucker,” in a video he posted on Instagram and wrote on Twitter that Wesley is a “kiss a–.”
Stephon Marbury: “C’mon man, c’mon. At New York Knicks, did you really just bring world wide sucker to the New York Knicks. … Really? You brought this dude here? Why? I’m a real New York Knicks fan. I’ve been a New York Knicks fan since I was a [kid]. … C’mon [Jim] Dolan man. You gotta be kidding me, man. You brought this dude here? Really? What’s going on man. There’s gotta be an explanation. Not him. Out of all people, you bring this dude here? You bring him to NYC? To New York? He ain’t got no credibility here. Nah.”
Marbury, 43, says he remains a Knicks fan, which is why he doesn’t like what he’s seeing. “When are we really going to try to win in NY,” he tweeted at the Knicks official account. “The people of NY deserve real New York people leading the way for New Yorkers. These fake kiss a$$ blow up fast cats ain’t going to cut the check other than going into BOA to deposit the check. We sick and tired!”
Knicks hire William wesley
The New York Knicks are hiring CAA’s William Wesley as executive vice president/senior adviser, sources told ESPN. Wesley has been a consultant in the coaching division of CAA for 13 years and has a long professional and personal relationship with new Knicks president Leon Rose.
Chris Iseman: It’s official: The Knicks have named William Wesley executive vice president/senior basketball adviser
Chris Iseman: Leon Rose: “We are very excited to announce the hiring of William Wesley, someone that I have known for over 40 years and consider to be family. He is one of the most well-connected and respected people in the basketball community and he will be a…
Mike Vorkunov: Knicks exec William Wesley: “My long history w/ & respect for Jim Dolan & Leon Rose, as well as the chance to be part of the NY Knicks made this an opportunity I wanted to pursue. I look forward to joining the current staff & moving the organization toward a successful future.”
Steve Popper: And the Knicks make the official announcement – adding that TJ Zanin, brother of Frank Zanin, will join the organization as a scout.
The Knicks have hired New Orleans Pelicans scout Alex Kline, a high-ranking team source told SNY. Kline, 26, has been a scout with New Orleans for the past four seasons, with a focus on college scouting. The Athletic reported that Kline will work under Knicks assistant GM Walt Perrin, who will be responsible for college scouting. Kline is well-respected by team personnel from across the league.
Mike Vorkunov: The Knicks are adding to their front office and hiring Pelicans scout Alex Kline to a larger scouting role in their organization, working under new assistant-GM Walt Perrin, league sources tell The Athletic.
Marc Berman: Knicks brass still finishing up their exit interviews on video conference today, per source. Their season didn’t officially end until last Thursday afternoon.
Marc J. Spears: The Knicks announce Brock Aller as vice president, basketball and strategic planning, Walt Perrin as assistant general manager – college scouting and Frank Zanin as assistant general manager – pro scouting. NYK also say GM Scott Perry signed an extension for the 2020-21 season.
Leon Rose getting great reviews
However unorthodox, Knicks president Leon Rose has “upgraded’’ his basketball operations staff, according to multiple NBA sources. Rose decided to pick up the option on GM Scott Perry for next season but surprisingly is not expected to retain Perry’s two major scouting hires from 2017 — assistant GM Gerald Madkins and pro player personnel director Harold Ellis.
Perrin and Zanin arrive with multi-year deals, while Perry’s deal is just for next season. Sources indicate that if all goes well, Perry will be in store for an extension next season. That is the case even if he may have made a mistake in bringing aboard Madkins, who has bounced around five teams in nine years.
Zanin essentially takes over for Ellis. Sources said Steve Mills was fired as president after the Kristaps Porzingis trade backfired when the Knicks were unable to use any of their cap space to sign a star player last summer. Sources have indicated Ellis is also taking the fall for that trade which included the disappointing Dennis Smith Jr. In Utah, Perrin is credited for being part of drafting five All-Stars — the latest being Donovan Mitchell. Perrin, according to a source, was instrumental in scoring an early workout with Mitchell even when it was obvious Utah would have to trade up to get him at 13.
Leon Rose continued to reshape the Knicks front office this week by adding Walt Perrin and Frank Zanin as assistant general managers, league sources said. Perrin will be in charge of college scouting and Zanin will oversee pro personnel. Here are notes on both executives...
“He’s been operating at a high level with Utah for a long time,” one member of an opposing team familiar with Perrin’s work said. “This is a really good hire. Really good.” Said someone else familiar with the scouting/executive community in the NBA: “He’s a really good guy. No nonsense guy.” In Utah, Perrin was most recently the VP of Player Personnel. Throughout his 19-year tenure in Utah, Perrin was regularly involved with Jazz drafts.
Zanin has been a scout with the Thunder for the past four years. Like Utah, the Thunder are respected throughout the league for their scouting on the college and pro level under Sam Presti. “If Presti hires you, it says something (about your ability),” one opposing scout said when asked about Zanin. Prior to his stint with Oklahoma City, Zanin worked closely with Billy King in Brooklyn. Zanin was an assistant GM with the Nets and elevated to acting GM after King’s dismissal. He stepped down after the Nets hired Sean Marks as general manager. Zanin, who began his career with King in Philadelphia, was described by one opposing scout as a hard worker who doesn’t seek the spotlight. During his tenure as acting GM, Zanin was in the spotlight for a brief time — but not from his own actions.
Perrin’s addition has been well-received after he played a large role in helping Utah have a number of successful drafts over his nearly two decades with the organization. He has earned a reputation as a well-connected and well-liked executive with a keen approach to the draft. Perrin was not the sole voice making picks with the Jazz, but as VP of player personnel, he was an integral part of advising O’Connor and then Dennis Lindsey in a string of draft-night successes. The Jazz were not without their mistakes over the last 19 years (Trey Burke and Dante Exum are two), but the franchise drafted six players who would become All-Stars in that time.
Knicks hiring Frank Zanin as assistant GM
Mike Vorkunov: The Knicks are hiring Frank Zanin as their assistant GM for pro personnel, league sources say. He’s a longtime NBA exec who served as the Nets assistant GM until 2016 and has been a Thunder scout the last few years. theathletic.com/1823059/2020/0…
Steve Popper: League source confirms former Nets’ assistant GM Frank Zanin is joining Leon Rose’s staff – terms still being finalized – sounds like assistant GM/pro personnel. @Mike Vorkunov was first with the news.
Ian Begley: Knicks are adding Frank Zanin to their front office, league sources confirm. NYK president Leon Rose so far has added Utah’s Walt Perrin, CLE’s Brock Aller & retained Scott Perry as his GM. Zanin was last w/OKC & was an assistant GM with Brooklyn. First reported by The Athletic.
Stefan Bondy: Nothing official but multiple sources have said Knicks front office members Craig Robinson, Gerald Madkins and Harold Ellis will not be retained.
Tony Jones: The Jazz won’t immediate search for a replacement for Walt Perrin, League Sources tell The Athletic. They will divide his responsibility up in house
Steve Popper: League sources confirm Knicks and Leon Rose are finishing terms with Walt Perrin, who will join the organization as assistant GM. Perrin was Utah Jazz VP of Player Personnel.
Chris Iseman: League sources confirmed the Knicks are adding Walt Perrin to the front office as assistant GM, as @Shams Charania reported. Leon Rose continues to fill out his front office, previously bringing in Brock Aller and bringing back Scott Perry.
Knicks hiring Walt Perrin as assistant general manager
Shams Charania: Sources: The Knicks are finalizing hiring Jazz VP of Player Personnel Walt Perrin as assistant general manager as they reshuffle front office under Leon Rose. Perrin is a well-respected executive who has worked in Jazz organization for 19 years.
Ian Begley: Knicks are expected to hire Jazz VP of Player Personnel Walt Perrin as assistant GM, per league sources. In addition to Perrin, Knicks president Leon Rose has added Brock Aller in a VP role and retained Scott Perry as general manager. The Athletic first reported the Perrin hire.
Charley Rosen, Jackson’s confidant/biographer and his former Albany Patroons assistant, has appeared in two episodes. He’s still worried Jackson’s failed 3 ½-year run as Knicks president has hurt his perception in New York. Rosen said Jackson should never have come out of retirement and taken the position in March 2014. “I told him not to take it because it’s crazy there,’’ Rosen said. “Jeanie [Buss] told him not to take it. If he came there, it would end their relationship 3,000 miles away.”
Leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers wasn’t easy. Brock Aller had been with the organization, at the right hand of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert in some capacity, for 15 years. Aller worked his way up, from liaison and advisor on business and basketball operations to a full-time front office role in 2013-14. First, it was senior director of strategic planning. Most recently, senior director of basketball operations.
But when Knicks president Leon Rose took over in New York, tasked with leading the perennial Eastern Conference doormat back to prominence, Aller was his first call. Rose needed a smart, forward-thinking executive, one with a knack for successful team-building, savvy salary cap management and long-term planning. Rose needed someone he could trust. Their relationship went back years because of Aller’s growing role within the Cavs while Rose ascended the ranks and became one of the league’s most powerful agents — even representing LeBron James early in his career.
So, when that initial call came in March, Aller did what he’s always done, what led to him being New York’s primary target. He started compiling data. For more than a month, Aller talked with everyone he knew — players, agents, former staff members, business associates — trying to figure out whether this was the right move at the right time.
But even as the information poured in, Aller kept going back to one thing: It’s New York. It’s the Knicks. This is a chance to be at the center of a historic turnaround, elevating the downtrodden franchise with just three winning seasons over the last 19 years, back to prominence. Aller can help bring basketball back to the mecca. That’s why he got into this business in the first place — to build something special. The opportunity was too good to pass up.
Rose will continue to evaluate the rest of the front office as he puts his imprint on the team. Several executives hired alongside Perry in 2017 are believed to have contracts that run late into this summer, league sources said, allowing him to put off a decision until then, unlike Perry, who had a trigger date coming Friday. But it is not yet known who Rose will keep, which will allow uncertainty about the future of the Knicks front office to linger. He also has to decide on a head coach.
Rose will continue to evaluate the rest of the front office as he puts his imprint on the team. Several executives hired alongside Perry in 2017 are believed to have contracts that run late into this summer, league sources said, allowing him to put off a decision until then, unlike Perry, who had a trigger date coming Friday. But it is not yet known who Rose will keep, which will allow uncertainty about the future of the Knicks front office to linger. He also has to decide on a head coach.
Knicks keeping Scott Perry
The Leon Rose era will begin with a familiar face as the Knicks have decided to retain Scott Perry as general manager. The Knicks confirmed that Perry will remain with a statement from team president Leon Rose. “Scott is a well-respected basketball executive who I have known for more than 20 years, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him as we look to build a winning team in New York,” Rose said.
While the season remains in limbo right now, the Knicks needed to make a decision on Perry with a mutual option set to trigger on May 1. According to a league source, the two sides agreed on a one-year contract, keeping Perry in place with an important – and odd – draft approaching this summer. The Knicks would not discuss the contract.
However, Perry’s long-term future as GM still is not guaranteed with his contract up June 30. The draft is scheduled for June 25 and could remain there if the NBA cancels its season in May. Though Rose is considering keeping Perry, one NBA source told The Post, “The impression is Leon will do his due diligence.’’ An urgency to make a change, though, is lessened because of the new logistics amid the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with New York the nation’s epicenter. “The shutdown may have helped everyone — at least temporarily,’’ one NBA source connected to the Knicks said.
NBA sources believe teams will tighten their belts on the size of front-office staffs. Sources have indicated Aller will look to reconfigure and even streamline the Knicks’ massive scouting/basketball operations department.
Cleveland Cavaliers senior director of basketball operations Brock Aller will join the New York Knicks front office, a source tells cleveland.com. The deal between Aller and the Knicks isn’t done yet. A few details still need to be worked out, including Aller’s official title. However, it’s expected to be finalized — and announced — by early May.
A longtime fixture in Cleveland’s front office, Aller has been mulling the Knicks’ offer for the last week or so, a source said. A respected capologist in Cleveland, Aller will have a bigger role in New York, trying to help lead the Knicks’ resurgence as the right-hand man of new team president Leon Rose.
Brock Aller, a longtime fixture for Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, is close to joining president Leon Rose in the Knicks front office as vice president of strategy, according to an NBA source. Aller was financial planner/capologist with Cleveland, but a source said he’ll be “more than a capologist’’ under Rose. However, Aller is not the GM — a basketball-intensive position that remains up in the air.
Brock Aller, a former Cleveland Cavaliers executive, will be a high-ranking basketball official and the chief strategist for Knicks president Leon Rose, sources have told SNY. Details of Aller’s title with the team are still being worked through.
Aller will help Rose navigate many different aspects of the job. Several league sources said Aller, Rose’s first front office hire, will be one of the new Knick president’s right-hand men. He’s expected to help Rose navigate the waters and strategize on how to build out the front office, coaching staff, and which player personnel moves to pursue. His responsibilities will not be limited to salary cap strategy, which is his forte.
Frank Isola: The Knicks are moving closer to naming Cavs executive Brock Aller as their new capologist, according to a source. @Stefan Bondy first reported last month that the club was interviewing Aller.
Knicks, David Blatt part ways
Marc Berman: Knicks and David Blatt will part ways as his consulting agreement has expired, The Post has learned. He leaves on good terms with new president Leon Rose. Was brought in originally by president Steve Mills, former Princeton teammate.
Ian Begley: David Blatt’s consulting agreement with the Knicks has expired, source says, so he’s no longer with the organization. Source said he left on good terms. Blatt was hired by former NYK President Steve Mills.
Steve Popper: David Blatt will not remain on with the Knicks – source confirms @Marc Berman tweet, hired by Steve Mills as a consultant to transition from coaching to front office. Consulting agreement ended.
Before the coronavirus shutdown, the Knicks, according to sources, requested and received permission from the Cavaliers to talk to their capologist, Brock Aller. More recently, I heard the Knicks made him an offer to become assistant GM and negotiations were ongoing.
Knicks front office staying put
For now, Leon Rose is proceeding as status quo with an inherited front office in following an unofficial NBA hiring/firing stoppage with the world stopped cold. According to sources, Rose is actively holding scouting meetings with his staff via conference call/video regarding the draft. “I don’t see any teams hiring or firing during this,” one NBA source said. “That’s the sense.”
“With the workouts and games done, Leon has to lean on people who spent the entire year scouting,” said one NBA source who has spoken to Knicks brass. “As of now, everything is status quo.”
It’s a good bet Knicks GM Scott Perry will be in place for the NBA Draft 2020 whenever it is held. The current date is June 25. What happens after the Knicks’ draft is unclear. Because of the self-isolation rules, Rose will look to rely on his current personnel men who spent the season scouting college games.
Sixers not willing to let Elton Brand go
Knicks eyeing Elton Brand as GM
Leon Rose might look to Philadelphia for his new right-hand man. According to a league source, Elton Brand has been targeted by Rose as a candidate for Knicks GM. Brand, 41, is currently the Sixers GM and is under contract next season, complicating any designs of bringing him to New York. The source said Rose wanted to see if Brand was dismissed after the playoffs.
Since taking over as Philly’s in 2018, Brand tried to build a championship contender around Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. He traded for Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. Then after Butler left in free agency, Brand acquired Josh Richardson and Al Horford. The results have been mixed.
Rose is also interested in hiring Cavaliers capologist Brock Aller for a front office position, sources told the News. A source said Rose requested and received permission to interview Aller before the coronavirus shutdown.
Knicks to interview Cavs capologist Brock Aller
Stefan Bondy: I heard the Knicks asked and received permission from the Cavs to talk to Brock Aller, and he’s a candidate for assistant GM
Whether or not the Knicks play another game this season is out of their control, subject to the veracity of a pandemic’s spread. Regardless, new team president Leon Rose will form his staff and plan for a regime that will begin in earnest in the offseason. To that end, a source told the Daily News that Brock Aller — a capologist with the Cleveland Cavaliers — is a strong candidate to join the Knicks. Aller served as a personal assistant to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert for 10 years before a promotion in 2017 to senior director of basketball operations. According to Gilbert, Aller was “instrumental” in the Cavaliers trade with the Knicks for JR Smith and Iman Shumpert in 2015. At the time, Smith was a client of Rose, the longtime agent at CAA.
Allan Houston, as the Daily News reported, is another strong candidate for a larger role in Rose’s staff. Houston, who is the GM of the Knicks’ G-League team, has been traveling and working more with the players. Rose’s biggest hire for the front office will be the GM.
Ewing, who currently is the head coach of Georgetown’s men’s basketball program, is not the right guy either, according to Oakley. “I don’t deal with Patrick,” Oakley said. “He was one of the most difficult guys I’ve played with. I played with Patrick 10 years. He should know me. I should know him. It was a hard 10 years because he’s not easy to play with. High maintenance.” Oakley doesn’t see anything changing in New York any time soon either. “It’s going to take years,” said Oakley. “It’s like driving from New York to Texas. It’s a long road.”
Ewing, who currently is the head coach of Georgetown’s men’s basketball program, is not the right guy either, according to Oakley. “I don’t deal with Patrick,” Oakley said. “He was one of the most difficult guys I’ve played with. I played with Patrick 10 years. He should know me. I should know him. It was a hard 10 years because he’s not easy to play with. High maintenance.” Oakley doesn’t see anything changing in New York any time soon either. “It’s going to take years,” said Oakley. “It’s like driving from New York to Texas. It’s a long road.”
With the ongoing split of the Madison Square Garden Company into an entertainment company and a sports company, Andrew Lustgarten will be promoted to president and CEO of the business end of MSG’s sports company, it was announced on Friday morning. Dolan, who has been in the headlines again for his feud with Knicks superfan Spike Lee, will still be executive chairman of the MSG sports company. But Lustgarten’s rise to a bigger role is indicative of him having a stronger voice within the Knicks, Rangers and their other sports operations.
He will also have to make an adjustment from being an agent to the front office, one that can be difficult at times and comes with its own issues. To find out the what that process is like The Athletic spoke to three former agents about what it was like for them. All harped on different parts of the changeover and the differences from one job to another and the stresses that brings. “Your results will dictate how well you’re doing,” Myers said. “I feel like Leon will do very well. He’s seen a lot of different sides of the NBA and will come prepared.”
Rose has already called Myers to chat and seek counsel about what the job is like. Myers is bullish on how Rose will do, expressing an affinity for his former competitor in the agent business and then again from different sides of the industry. “I like Leon,” Myers said. “I think he’s going to do a good job. He had some great questions. He’s got a curiosity. He’s got a humility. It was probably my favorite part. He knows there’s a lot of work ahead of him and he’s OK with that.”
Maddie Lee: Chris Paul on his former agent Leon Rose being named Knicks president: “I couldn’t be happier for him and his family.” pic.twitter.com/GbPR5EEbbF
Mike Vorkunov: Leon Rose thanks coach Mike Miller for his “leadership & professionalism” in his letter to NYK fans. Miller has been asked to coach the team & become its public spokesperson in media vacuum Knicks created. He’ll be the one answering questions tonite about Knicks hiring Rose too.
Mike Vorkunov: “Nothing about this is easy, or quick, so I ask for your continued patience,” Leon Rose says in letter to fans. “What I promise you in return is that I will be honest…We will develop a plan that makes sense, both to jumpstart our short-term growth & ensure our longterm success”
Mike Vorkunov: Leon Rose thanks coach Mike Miller for his “leadership & professionalism” in his letter to NYK fans. Miller has been asked to coach the team & become its public spokesperson in media vacuum Knicks created. He’ll be the one answering questions tonite about Knicks hiring Rose too.
Mike Vorkunov: “Nothing about this is easy, or quick, so I ask for your continued patience,” Leon Rose says in letter to fans. “What I promise you in return is that I will be honest…We will develop a plan that makes sense, both to jumpstart our short-term growth & ensure our longterm success”
August 12, 2020 | 7:46 pm EDT Update
Adam Wexler: Harden was fantastic, tied his career high with 17 rebounds. Led #Rockets on 14-2 run, but not quite enough. Harden’s line: 45 pts, 13-21 FG, (7-14 3ptFG), 17 rebs, 9 assists, 3 steals, 6 TO.
StatMuse: James Harden has recorded 60 games with 40+ points in the last 3 seasons. No other player has more than 20 such games. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NVgEAS1Fpn
Adam Wexler: With Pacers win, the East playoff matchups are set. (1) Bucks vs (8) Magic (2) Raptors vs (7) Nets (3) Celtics vs (6) 76ers (4/5) Heat vs (4/5) Pacers
August 12, 2020 | 7:36 pm EDT Update
Adam Wexler: #Rockets Gordon on not playing any games w/ a healthy rotation (Westbrook out for Fri vs Phi): “I don’t know anything really about Russ’ (injury) situation…Of course we’re going to need Russ, but we need to be a good enough team (if we have to) to make adjustments.”
J. Michael Falgoust: McMillan on TJ Warren’s plantar fasciitis: “He has been experiencing that really throughout the season. Been able to play on it.” #PacersRockets
Nick DePaula: Nike will honor Kobe Bryant and celebrate “MAMBA WEEK” beginning Sunday, August 23rd, with special programming and launches planned. Several Kobe signature products will be released and the Nike Foundation will make a $1M donation to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. pic.twitter.com/LVjv0BNA3A
Nick DePaula: Nike’s Kobe plan: “Nike will continue to release Kobe Protro shoes, allowing the millions of fans he inspired around the world to keep Bryant’s legacy going. Nike will also continue to work with the NBA to release limited quantities of Bryant’s iconic Los Angeles Lakers jersey.” pic.twitter.com/xC3DyNjoZw
August 12, 2020 | 7:30 pm EDT Update
TJ Warren suffering from foot injury
J. Michael: McMillan says Warren’s foot injury is the same as Sabonis…plantar fasciitis #PacersRockets
Power couple Iman Shumpert and Teyana Taylor are looking to pass their place in Studio City, putting the contemporary home up for sale at $3.695 million. Shumpert, an NBA pro, and Taylor, a singer-songwriter, paid just under $3 million for the property in 2018, The Times previously reported.
August 12, 2020 | 5:43 pm EDT Update
Sean Cunningham: Kings vs. Lakers Thursday in season finale for Sacramento. Kings: De’Aaron Fox, Kent Bazemore & Richaun Holmes are out Lakers: LeBron James (groin) probable, Anthony Davis (knee) questionable, Alex Caruso (neck spasms), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (foot) & Rajon Rondo are out.
August 12, 2020 | 4:24 pm EDT Update
Salman Ali: Russell Westbrook with strained quadriceps muscle in his right leg. Will be out for Friday’s game against Philadelphia and re-evaluated before the playoffs pic.twitter.com/SQmjuMVwcX
Jay King: Jaylen Brown and Donovan Mitchell hating on each other has been pretty funny. “He wanna talk about me? Look at him. Creeping ass.” Lol. pic.twitter.com/vQ0zXSHTsu
NBA Central: David Fizdale reveals what DWade said about LeBron after the 2011 Finals: “I’m gonna tell this dude that it’s his team, because he obviously doesn’t see that it is his. And so I think he needs to hear it from me, cause I think he’s giving me too much respect.” (Knuckle Heads) pic.twitter.com/l9cFyJvL01
August 12, 2020 | 4:06 pm EDT Update
The Boston Celtics have signed head coach Brad Stevens to a contract extension, the team announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Stevens, who was named the franchise’s 17th head coach on July 3, 2013, has produced a 318-245 win-loss record (.565) in six-plus seasons with the Celtics. His 318 wins are the fourth-most by any Celtics coach in franchise history (795-Auerbach, 427-Heinsohn, 416-Rivers).
“Brad is an accomplished coach and an outstanding person,” said Boston Celtics Lead Owner and Governor Wyc Grousbeck. “We are proud to have him lead our team forward in our quest for Banner 18.” “We are thrilled that Brad Stevens will continue to be our coach,” said Boston Celtics Co-Owner Steve Pagliuca. “He has become one of the best coaches in the NBA and is a real leader on and off the court. This is a great day for the Boston Celtics.”
“Brad is one of the most intelligent and hard-working coaches in the game today,” said Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. “More importantly, his character and integrity have contributed to a culture that we all highly value here. Brad is a great teammate, and a leader people want to follow. We are honored to have him with us as we continue to pursue our next championship.”
Currently in his seventh campaign with the Celtics, Stevens has notched multiple milestones during the 2019-20 season. He became just the fifth coach in franchise history to reach the 300-win mark with a victory at Orlando on January 24, and surpassed K.C. Jones (308 wins) for the fourth-most wins on the franchise ledger with a victory at Minnesota on February 21.
August 12, 2020 | 4:00 pm EDT Update
Brandon Rahbar: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a guest on The Woj Pod with @Adrian Wojnarowski. Woj asked Shai his thoughts on being traded to OKC. “They do everything top notch, and that’s honestly the truth. Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve been nothing but pleased. I’m blessed.”
Ryan Wolstat: Familiar face. Jonas Valanciunas didn’t have much to say about playing the Raptors the other day, but did respond to my question about what he learned from leaders like Scola, Amir, DeMar etc. in Toronto. Said he’s trying to use that wisdom from guys who showed how to be a leader pic.twitter.com/a0SZRSVo8O
August 12, 2020 | 3:33 pm EDT Update
Eric Woodyard: Nate McMillan confirms that his extension is 1-year. “I just felt that, that was appropriate for both sides. Normally I don’t do any negotiations until after the end of the season. This has been an unusual season for all of us. Myself, the organization, the NBA,” he said.
NBA Central: Kevin Durant responds to LeBron James being called the greatest player of all time “That’s crazy.” (🎥 @Coolkicksla ) pic.twitter.com/1dkIHJApSN
Jaylen Brown: I’ve seen @Donovan Mitchell 10 times this week and it’s just Wednesday 🤦🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/7qUYExZ4Gc
Donovan Mitchell: That’s crazy bro…. you told me to come back 😒😒😒
August 12, 2020 | 3:12 pm EDT Update
Zero positive COVID-19 cases in latest batch of tests
Shams Charania: Zero NBA players tested positive for coronavirus out of 342 tested at Orlando campus since last results were announced Aug. 5, sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
Eric Woodyard: Malcolm Brogdon is out today vs. Houston.
