EWING NOT THE MAN?

Patrick Ewing would at least like an interview for the Knicks head coaching vacancy. Apparently, Donnie Walsh doesn't seem inclined to give him one anytime soon. Of course, this could just be because Ewing's current team, the Orlando Magic, is still playing in the playoffs. It's generally assumed that if/when Mark Jackson is announced as the next head coach, Ewing will be one of the first assistants that Jax hires.

WALSH OBSESSED WITH BROADCASTERS?

Kenny Smith appears to be one of many general manager candidates that Donnie Walsh will interview, after he's finished his search for a coach. Smith has a lot in common with Walsh and apparent-head-coach Mark Jackson. Like both, Smith is a New York native. Smith and Walsh are graduates of North Carolina. Smith and Jackson have been broadcasting since their playing days have ended, gaining no experience in the respective job fields that they will be interviewing for. Smith already has ties to the Knicks. He has been a part-time analyst on the MSG in recent years, and is very close with Garden president Steve Mills.

The Knicks' GM position is currently held by Glen Grunwald, who was hired by Isiah Thomas. Former Sixers GM Billy King and former Pistons/Sonics GM Rick Sund are both expected to meet with Walsh as well, who is not ruling out retaining Grunwald. It would seem that Grunwald and the rest of the scouting department figure to remain in place at least until the draft in June.

ON THE CLOCK

With the NFL Draft being held today at Radio City Music Hall, I thought this would be a good time to remind everyone of the upcoming NBA Draft dates:

April 27th: Underclassmen Draft Entry Deadline
May 20th: Draft Lottery Drawing
June 16th: Underclassmen Draft Withdrawal Deadline
June 26th: NBA Draft

DESERT-BOUND WALSH, GARDEN-BOUND JAX?

Alan Hahn of New York Newsday & Frank Isola of the New York Post seem to be "confirming" that Walsh has indeed flown to Phoenix to meet with Mark Jackson.

WALSH ON THE PROWL

Apparently, Walsh didn't meet with Mark Jackson in New York yesterday. He did, however, fly out of town to meet with what seems to be his only head-coaching candidate. Jackson could have either been home in Los Angeles, or in Phoenix preparing to broadcast tonight's Suns-Spurs game. The fact that it's Walsh on a plane headed toward Jackson, instead of the other way around, makes me expect an announcement this weekend of a press conference early next week.

ACTION WITH JACKSON

Donnie Walsh is expected to meet with Mark Jackson face-to-face today, even though they spoke to each other briefly over the phone last week. This doesn't necessarily mean Jackson will be announced as the Knicks next head coach anytime soon though. Walsh has indicated that he's willing to be patient, presumably so he can see how other candidates compare to his leading man. Some names in the mix include: Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau, Sacramento assistant Chuck Person, and possibly Detroit's head man Flip Saunders, Dallas' Avery Johnson, or Toronto's Sam Mitchell. The last three would only be available if they're fired due to early playoff exits.

Walsh seems set on Jackson, but may want to interview a number of people just to make sure his instincts are correct.

HELP WANTED: HEAD COACH

With Scott Skiles taking the Bucks' job, the list of candidates for Donnie Walsh to hire has shrunk. First to get an official interview will be long time assistant coach, and former Knicks player, Herb Williams. Williams signed with the New York Knicks on November 15, 1992 as a free agent. The 6’11” center out of Ohio State spent seven seasons with the team and was a part of two Eastern Conference Championship teams (1994 and 1999). He played in 278 games with the Knicks, including 50 playoff games and two NBA Finals, and was always a fan favorite at the Garden. Herb returned to the Knicks in 2001 as an assistant coach and has been here the past three years. He had his sole opportunity to coach for the Knicks on January 14, 2004. The team defeated the Orlando Magic 120-110, giving Williams a 1-0 career coaching record. He's been here from Pat Riley, through Isiah Thomas, and everything in between. No matter who's brought in as the next head coach, Herb deserves and has earned the right to be here for the good times.

Walsh held a conference call with reporters today to address the coaching situation: here's the transcript.

Mark Jackson still seems to be the leading candidate for the job.

ISIAH'S BANISHMENT

Due to his "reassignment agreement" with Donnie Walsh, Isiah Thomas is not allowed to have ANY contact with anyone involved with the team itself. Good news for the players, and incoming head coach. It's hard to tell if Walsh is having his strings pulled by Dolan, or if he actually kept Thomas within the organization for a good reason. Maybe Donnie/Jim didn't want to give Isiah his paycheck just to have him spill the beans about the ugly ongoings behind closed doors?

END OF AN ERA (FINALLY!)

Donnie Walsh has finally done what Jim Dolan should have done months ago, remove Isiah Thomas from his head coaching position. The bad news, Thomas will still be employed by Dolan and the Knicks in some sort of untitled advisory role. However, Walsh said during his conference-call announcement that Thomas will not be charge of the draft as was speculated. Even though Walsh did say "I will be in contact with Isiah a lot, I value Isiah's knowledge of the game and I value his opinion so I would use him as a resource". He later mentioned, "There will be nobody reporting to Isiah." Thomas will report to Walsh directly.

To me, this sounds like Walsh was just being polite publicly. Thomas has been fired without receiving a pink-slip. Even if he had been outright fired, Dolan would still owe him the full amount of his contract. Thomas would also be able to try and find another job elsewhere (insert gut-busting laughter here) and collect both paychecks, move on from this disgrace (Larry Brown), rebuild his reputation, etc. With Zeke still "employed" by the Knicks, it seems more like he's been fittingly banished to purgatory.

Getting rid if Isiah was the easy part for Walsh. Picking a new coach before June's draft will be the hard part. Mention Mark Jackson to Walsh, and you can hear the excitement in his voice when he says, "I know he's one of the smartest guys who ever played for us at Indiana. He's always been a guy I think who could make a really fine head coach."

With the team going into rebuilding mode for the next couple of years, this is the perfect time to bring in a coach with no prior expierence. Let Jackson learn on the job. If he proves he's a quality coach, great. If not, replace him when we're in a position to contend after gaining cap-space (D-Wade). It's not like Jackson can do any worse than Thomas did.

NIGHTMARE COME TRUE?

Apparently, Donnie Walsh informed Isiah Thomas last week that he will not be the Head Coach beyond this season. Walsh seems to be doing what all Knick fans feared he would, keeping Thomas in an "invisible" role. I still have faith that this nightmare doesn't come true.

NEW YORK @ INDIANA

The Knicks play the Pacers tonight in the final game of the season. (7:00pm FOX SPORTS NET / NO RADIO)

STARTING LINE-UPS
=================
KNICKS:
C-Zach Randolph
PF-David Lee
SF-Jared Jeffries
SG-Fred Jones
PG-Jamal Crawford

PACERS:
C-Jermaine O'Neal
PF-Troy Murphy
SF-Mike Dunleavy
SG-Danny Granger
PG-Flip Murray

FINALLY

Mercifully, and ironically, the Knicks' season ends tonight in Indiana, home of Isiah Thomas and Donnie Walsh's former team.

With as miserable as this season has been, tomorrow is when the fun finally begins. We can begin counting down to Isiah Thomas' long overdue departure from Knick-land. Tomorrow is also when Walsh actually starts his job as President of Basketball Operations. How to get rid of Zach Randolph? What to do with Stephon Marbury, Quentin Richardson, Eddy Curry? Yet, even more important than those guys, what does the future hold for David Lee and Nate Robinson? Walsh has been adamant about getting under the cap for 2010. However, as Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, commented, "The reason why you try to create cap space is to try to get really good young players. I don’t know how much better you’re going to get than David Lee.”

This offseason should be better than the last four, even if only by default. Let's hope so, because it will probably be the most important one in New York Knickerbocker history.

LeBRON JAMES

Anyone (including Donnie Walsh) thinking LeBron James will leave his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for greener pastures in 2010 is insane. Yes, he signed a 3 year extension instead of a 5 year one. That leads to all the speculation that he's "left his options open" to maybe leave for a better situation in the future. Wrong. The only thing that the 3 year deal means is that LeBron can sign a max extension with Cleveland 2 years sooner. King James is a homegrown hero, he's not going to leave his backyard. Even IF New York could offer more money than the Cavs, he doesn't need it. Endorsements would easily cover the difference.

Dwayne Wade also made the same decision to take a 3year deal with Miami. Looking at that situation objectively, he definitely "left his options open". Anyone could see this season coming for that wreck of a roster in South Beach, obviously including Wade. In 2010 Miami could be in an even worse position then they are now.

Dwayne Wade, who'd I'd like to remind you has already won a Championship, makes much more sense in New York than LeBron James.

BOSTON @ NEW YORK

The Knicks final home game is tonight, fittingly against the NBA-best Boston Celtics. (7:30pm MSG / 1050 ESPN NY RADIO)

STARTING LINE-UPS
==================
KNICKS:
C-Zach Randolph
PF-David Lee
SF-Jared Jeffries
SG-Wilson Chandler
PG-Jamal Crawford

CELTICS:
C-Kendrick Perkins
PF-Leon Powe
SF-James Posey
SG-Tony Allen
PG-Rajon Rondo

ATLANTA @ NEW YORK

Josh Childress and the Atlanta Hawks are in town to play "a team like" the New York Knicks tonight. (7:30pm NO TV/ RADIO)

STARTING LINE-UPS
=================
KNICKS:
C-Zach Randolph
PF-David Lee
SF-Jared Jeffries
SG-Quentin Richardson
PG-Jamal Crawford

HAWKS:
C-Al Horford
PF-Marvin Williams
SF-Josh Smith
SG-Joe Johnson
PG-Mike Bibby

WALSH & THOMAS

No meeting between Donnie Walsh and Isiah Thomas took place today, even though one was expected. Wonder what this means?

CHARLOTTE @ NEW YORK

The Charlotte Bobcats are in New York tonight to play the Knicks. (7:30pm NO TV / RADIO)

STARTING LINE-UPS
=================
KNICKS:
C-Zach Randolph
PF-David Lee
SF-Jared Jeffries
SG-Quentin Richardson
PG-Jamal Crawford

BOBCATS:
C-Nazr Mohammed
PF-Emeka Okafor
SF-Jason Richardson
SG-Matt Carroll
PG-Raymond Felton

NEW YORK @ DETROIT

The Knickerbockers are in Detroit to square-off against the Pistons tonight. Including tonight, there's just five games left in this abysmal season. (8:00pm MSG / 1050 ESPN NY RADIO)

STARTING LINE-UPS
=================
KNICKS:
C-Zach Randolph
PF-Jared Jeffries
SF-Wilson Chandler
SG-Quentin Richardson
PG-Jamal Crawford

PISTONS:
C-Rasheed Wallace
PF-Antonio McDyess
SF-Tayshaun Prince
SG-Arron Afflalo
PG-Chauncey Billups

HOW SWEET IT'LL BE!

It's happened before: Ewing to New York, Duncan to San Antonio, LeBron to Cleveland. It seems like whenever the stars need to be aligned just right, David Stern makes sure it happens. So as soon as Derrick Rose announces his eligibility for the 2008 NBA Draft, he might as well start looking for a Manhattan Co-op.

He's exactly what the Knicks need: a young, SMART, athletic, pass-first PG. A backcourt of Rose and Crawford would definitely be a step in the right direction as a team. Getting rid of Starbury and Randolph would also do wonders.

KANSAS @ MEMPHIS

Potential-future-Knick Derrick Rose and the Memphis Tigers will play Brandon Rush and the Kansas Jayhawks for the the right to be National Champion of Men's Division One Basketball. (9:00pm CBS)

PATRICK EWING

Patrick Ewing was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame today. While his tenure with the Knicks didn't have a storybook ending, Ewing will always be remembered as nothing other than a New York Knickerbocker.

Here's a look at his playing career.

EWING SINGS JACKSON'S PRAISE

Patrick Ewing was back in The Garden last night, as an assistant coach of the Orlando Magic. With the expected announcement today that he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, the Knicks honored Sir Patrick with a video montage on the jumbo screen.

In regards to all the speculation about Mark Jackson being the Knicks next head coach or GM, Ewing said, "Whatever Mark chooses to do, he will do fine in it. Mark's a New Yorker, has a New York swagger. Whether coaching, front-office, he'd do an outstanding job." If Jackson is hired as coach, Ewing would most likely be on his staff.

ORLANDO @ NEW YORK

"Superman" Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic fly into Metropolis to battle the Knicks tonight. (7:00pm MSG / 1050 ESPN NY RADIO)

STARTING LINE-UPS
=================
KNICKS:
C-Zach Randolph
PF-David Lee
SF-Jared Jeffries
SG-Wilson Chandler
PG-Jamal Crawford

MAGIC:
C-Dwight Howard
PF-Hedo Turkoglu
SF-Rashard Lewis
SG-Maurice Evans
PG-Jameer Nelson

NEW YORK @ NEW ORLEANS

The Knicks are in New Orleans in a match-up against MVP candidate Chris Paul and his Hornets. (NO TV / RADIO?)

STARTING LINE-UPS
=================
KNICKS:
C-Zach Randolph
PF-David Lee
SF-Jared Jeffries
SG-Jamal Crawford
PG-Mardy Collins

HORNETS:
C-Wilson Chandler
PF-David West
SF-Peja Stojakovic
SG-Morris Peterson
PG-Chris Paul

ACTION JACKSON

Former Knick, and native New Yorker, Mark Jackson is being rumored as the favorite to replace Isiah Thomas as Head Coach of the Knicks. However, there's also speculation that Donnie Walsh is considering him as the next GM instead. Personally, I'd prefer the latter, in conjunction with a Scott Skiles-like head coach. This team needs an established and respected coach to guide them. That isn't to say that Jackson can't or won't be a quality coach, but I think he'd be a better fit long term as GM, ala Steve Kerr with Phoenix. Walsh could mentor him to eventually take the reigns himself, ala Larry Bird.

For everyone advocating Jackson as coach, trying to get the next Avery Johnson: just remember Johnson was an assistant under Don Nelson before becoming the head man.

SAME 'OLE STEPH

We've all heard this "I'm a new man. I'm more motivated then I've ever been. I'm really excited about the new coach." crap from Stephon Marbury before. He said a lot of things along those lines headed into THIS season, and we all know how that's turned out (FOG-HORN!). But this time I actually believe him when he says, "I feel I got something to prove." Let's not forget: he did play well last season, and was a big reason there was hope coming into this season. He's had the battle with Zeke, his father passed away as did an aunt, and then he's been "hurt". Honestly, I think he's fine, and he and Thomas just said that to keep themselves away from each other. With all that's gone on this year, everything Steph's been through, entering that holy-last-year of his contract, hopefully a real coach coming in, and being a native New Yorker paired with another native New Yorker, I think he might actually have a chip on his shoulder and be very motivated next season.

All that being said, I'm still not sure I'd want him on the Knicks. Especially if Derrick Rose is drafted. No need to risk having Starbury show up and ruin/undermine everything, no matter who's drafted.

DAVID LEE A FORGOTTEN MAN?

When Donnie Walsh briefly spoke about some of the current Knicks' players, he had joy in his voice when mentioning Jamal Crawford, Renaldo Balkman, and even Jared Jeffries. However, not once did he mention David Lee! Lee might actually be the best all around player on this team. He seems to be the one guy most other teams inquired about in (non)trade discussions. Hopefully, Walsh was trying to increase the value of pieces he wants to move, and help other GM's forget about David Lee.

$500 MILLION

That's how much it'll cost to renovate The Garden. The Knicks won't have to play games anywhere else during the '09-10 season because most of the construction will be done over the those two summers, with work beginning in the spring next year. As I've said before, I couldn't be happier that "The World's Most Famous Arena" will not be replaced. The plan is to be finished for the '11-12 season, with seating capacity remaining the same.

WELCOME HOME DONNIE

Now that you're finally here, how's the view? Donnie Walsh might have an easier time climbing Mt. Everest with his hands tied behind his back then he will making the Knickerbockers competitive again, never mind "elite" as he mentioned a few times.

Stephon Marbury, Zach Randolph, Eddy Curry, Quentin Richardson, Jared Jeffries, and Jerome James all carry BIG contracts. So does Jamal Crawford, but he should be retained in my opinion. I wouldn't trade Marbury, I'd buy him out: his $21m coming off the books after next season will help immensely. Just cut ties with a lost cause. The rest of those guys/contracts are such a mess, I'm not sure where to start.

NEW YORK @ MEMPHIS

The Knicks are in Memphis to play the Grizzlies tonight. (8:00pm MSG / 1050 ESPN NY RADIO)

STARTING LINE-UPS
==================
KNICKS:
C-Zach Randolph
PF-David Lee
SF-Jared Jeffries
SG-Quentin Richardson
PG-Jamal Crawford

GRIZZLIES:
C-Darko Milicic
PF-Hakeem Warrick
SF-Rudy Gay
SG-Mike Miller
PG-Mike Conley

THE WALSH-ERA HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN

Now that Jim Dolan has formally introduced Donnie Walsh as the President of Basketball Operations for the New York Knickerbockers, lets dissect what was said at the press conference. The most obvious thing from Dolan was, "His mandate is clear: Do whatever is necessary to turn this team around." The most notable though, was Dolan saying that Walsh has complete autonomy, including the media policy. Walsh said the Knicks will be "more open and accessible."

From all of Walsh's indications, Isiah Thomas will not be the coach beyond this season. When first asked about Thomas, Walsh said, "I won't judge anything from afar. I will sit down and talk with him. I think he has a great basketball mind. I think he has the skills to help this franchise." Later, he was asked what role Isiah would have if not the coach, and Walsh replied, "That'll be the conversation." This seems to imply that, unfortunately, Walsh is thinking about keeping Thomas on in some advisory role. Hopefully, Isiah won't accept a demotion.

Walsh said that his goals are to make the team competitive, and to gain cap flexibility in 2,3,4 years. He mentioned a few times that the Knicks will not dip into the free agent market anytime soon. He doesn't want to add any long-term contracts via trade either.

Overall, I liked everything I heard from Donnie. He seemed very truthful with the media, and his approach to rebuilding this once great franchise is encouraging. When asked how he brings hope to the Knicks, he answered, "The hope I bring to them is: I'm going to do the right things for this franchise." It's about time someone did.

NEW YORK @ MILWAUKEE

The Knicks will face the Bucks tonight. Only 8 games left after tonight. (8:00pm MSG / 1050 ESPN NY RADIO)

STARTING LINE-UPS
=================
KNICKS:
C-Zach Randolph
PF-David Lee
SF-Jared Jeffries
SG-Quentin Richardson
PG-Jamal Crawford

BUCKS:
C-Andrew Bogut
PF-Charlie Villanueva
SF-Desmond Mason
SG-Michael Redd
PG-Maurice Williams

THE RETURN OF "CLYDE" FRAZIER?

It's obvious, the Knicks couldn't even guard ME at this point. That's how horrible they've been defensively under Isiah Thomas. Their perimeter D has been especially atrocious, allowing either wide-open 3's or a free path to the rim. Granted, not having a shot blocker doesn't help, but even Zo, Mutombo, AND Hakeem couldn't swat all those easy lay-ups. As for putting an end to all this matador-dom, who better than Hall-of-Fame PG, and seven time NBA first team All Defense, Walt "Clyde" Frazier? So far, Clyde has stayed away from coaching, but he's definitely open to being a special instructor, ala Tino Martinez with the Yankees. Hopefully, he and the new management/coach can work something out.

WALSH OR NOT?

Walsh continues to attempt to wear down Dolan on three key issues: whether he'll have complete freedom to run things his way, Dolan's ludicrous media policy, and Isiah Thomas' future. Dolan would prefer to have Thomas remain as coach, which will not happen if Walsh is running the Knicks. However, it seems that Dolan would still want Thomas to remain in the organization in a still-to-be determined role. I'm sure Walsh knows what a disaster that would be in many ways.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations has implied that Walsh is still undecided about coming to the Knicks. If a deal with Walsh is announced before the end of the season, it would seem that Thomas would be staying on board.