National Basketball Association

Dolan again denies Thomas role in Anthony pursuit

Published Feb. 24, 2011 12:48 a.m. ET

foxsports

Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan says reports that Isiah Thomas was involved in the pursuit of Carmelo Anthony were ''a fiction in somebody's mind.''

Dolan also praised the work of Donnie Walsh and said during Anthony's introductory press conference Wednesday they would discuss the team president's job status sometime after the trade deadline.

Dolan met with Anthony last Thursday in Los Angeles during the All-Star break, and there were reports he had taken control away from Walsh - with former team president and coach Thomas advising him - and offered more than Walsh was prepared to.

The Knicks released a statement Sunday saying Dolan, Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni were on the same page, and the owner repeated that Wednesday, insisting they were ''completely coordinated throughout this process from start to finish.''

''The idea that we were not in agreement is simply not true,'' Dolan said. ''We had multiple meetings and discussions, some good debating, but in the end we were all in complete agreement.''

He saved his strongest words for the speculation that Thomas had a role.

''I would also say this very directly. While Isiah Thomas is a friend of mine, a very good friend, he was not at all involved in this process,'' Dolan said. ''He wasn't advising me or telling me what to do in any way, and any reports that imply that he was doing that are simply untrue and a fiction in somebody's mind.''

Dolan hasn't picked up the option on Walsh's contract for next season, even after his moves over the first two years have the Knicks in position for their first playoff appearance since 2004. There has even been speculation that part of the reason Dolan hasn't committed to Walsh beyond this season is because he is considering bringing back Thomas.

But Walsh has said now isn't the time to think about his future, and Dolan said they agreed it would be discussed after Thursday's deadline.