Isiah Thomas, the former consultant refuses to return back to Knicks
Isiah Thomas has finally decided that he will not come back to the New York Knicks. Thomas had been working as consultant with Knicks for more than four years. He finally refused to work with the franchise on Wednesday by saying that it was not legal for him to take up the post of NBA consultant. After having table talks with Knicks executives and NBA Commissioner David Stern, Thomas concluded that he could no longer work with the squad. He said that his recent contract abused some NBA bylaws, due to which he decided to withdraw his agreement with the team.
Thomas was hired as a consultant to Knicks on August 6, 2010. The agreement between the team and the former basketball player allowed him to retain his college coaching position at Florida International University. The Knicks announcement of Isiah joining back as a consultant while retaining his coaching position at college, was rapidly criticized throughout the week. Commenting on the matter, Stern said that they were notified by the Knicks that Thomas had cancelled his consultancy bond with the team.
However, Thomas decided to keep the position of his college and refuse the later offer. James Dolan, who is Madison Square Garden’s chairman, said that he was saddened that Thomas won’t be the consulting Knicks anymore and he truly believed in his basketball knowledge and skills, especially his potential to judge talented players. Later on, Dolan added that Thomas was his nice friend and a competent consultant in NBA. James said that he would continue taking his advice and views on important issues while making important decisions. He said that he wished his peer success at FIU.
When questioned about his exit from the designation, Thomas looked frustrated. He said that he was only liable for the bad performance of the team since Dec 2003 to April 2008, during the time he presided over the team. In the final two seasons for Knicks, Thomas acted as a team coach. The team never managed to surpass any postseason game. Thomas felt dejected because of the team’s below-the-line performances. He said that it was his biggest disappointment that the New York Knicks couldn’t perform as he expected them too. However, Isiah did not take himself off the hook and took the responsibility of selecting and training the players. Now he is looking forward to assist the organization; whenever the team calls out for him, he would be there to give his best.
While visiting LeBron James' inner circle in Ohio, Thomas facilitated the Knicks on volunteer basis. In the press meeting Mr. Donnie Walsh who nominated Thomas as president and later on as a coach, showed gratitude to Thomas in front of media. This multiplied rumours in New York City that Thomas might return back to the Knicks at a managerial position. However, Isiah turned down the rumours by refusing to join the league on the basis of legalities.
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