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.