Reports: Donnie Walsh Unhappy With Isiah Thomas' Return

Walsh and Thomas in the old days (AP)

The Knicks may have heralded its rehiring Isiah Thomas, its former GM and coach who left after a series of terrible decisions, with optimism but there's one important person reportedly fuming about Thomas' boomerang back to Madison Square Garden: Knicks president Donnie Walsh. The Daily News reports that Walsh "considered resigning" over the move while the Post says Walsh is "livid." And it seems like other Knicks executives were anti-Thomas as well!

Both papers say that Knicks owner James Dolan tried to get Walsh to hire Thomas as the team's general manager, but Walsh refused. According to the Post, "When Walsh told Thomas he objected, Thomas went back to Dolan, who still has a love affair with the Hall of Famer and seemingly is on a mission to rehab Thomas' image. Without Walsh's knowledge, Dolan and Thomas hatched a scheme in which Thomas could become a part-time consultant." However, the Daily News explains, "Besides Walsh and Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni being against the move, Garden vice chairman Hank Ratner and Garden president Scott O'Neil voiced their displeasure but were overruled by Dolan, sources said." Also, at the end of the day, it's expected Thomas will make his way back as the GM.

The News details how Thomas apparently convinced Dolan that "Walsh and D'Antoni don't have street credibility with today's young NBA stars, their agents and their entourages." One source told the Post, "Donnie doesn't want him there, nobody wants him there but Dolan. Isiah seems to have Jim wrapped around his finger."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on August 8, 2010 3:15 PM

Comments [rss]

kswissreject

Dolan is probably gay for Thomas. It's kind of ridiculous how he can believe in the guy after what he put the Knicks through.

Ronnie Dobbs

This doesn't sound right. For all the very good decisions Walsh made in Indiana, the one terrible decision was hiring Thomas to coach after Bird retired. For some unknown reason, Walsh has always believed in Thomas. I wouldn't be suprised if bringing Thomas back was in part Walsh's decision. Walsh looks to be setting Thomas up to take over his position after he retires, much as he did with Bird in Indiana.

dr zippy

If Walsh, D'Antoni et al. are so upset why don't they resign?

airtech1

So Isiah has "street cred" with today's players? That's code for, "I'm pulling the race card, kids." If Dolan is imbecile enough to buy it, then let the two bask in their bromance.

nivek

Let this man get the reins again and we'll plummet back into the abyss ... we just got ourselves out of 10 years of trouble and this is the way you fucking bodycheck the lifelong Knicks fans, Dolan? What in fucking hell is wrong with you?

Isiah Thomas cannot coach, does not know how to set up contracts, and certainly does not know the value of money nor future draft picks. The only decisions he should be allowed to add his voice on are scouting decisions. That's it.