SAY IT AIN'T SO

It's been made public knowledge that Indiana Pacers' CEO Donnie Walsh, a New York native, is postponing his retirement. There is speculation that Jim Dolan would like Walsh to replace Isiah Thomas the president (so far so good), but let Zeke stay on as head-coach (D'oh!). Remember, Walsh hired Isiah Thomas to be head-coach of the Indiana Pacers before the 2000-01 season.

Walsh's agent, Steven A. Kauffman, said yesterday that his client has the right pedigree to become successful in New York. "Donnie has the experience, the temperament and personality to deal with the New York Knicks' situation," said Kauffman, whom Walsh hired last summer to represent him. "He has roots there."