By Larry Brown.
Phil Jackson is not happy about MSG rehiring Isiah Thomas because he is worried about his job security, according to a report.
MSG announced last week that it was rehiring Thomas and making him president of their WNBA team, the New York Liberty. They also are trying to make Thomas a minority owner, though the league may not approve the move.
The New York Daily News reports that Jackson is concerned about Thomas’ presence because he thinks the move is a precursor to the former point guard sliding back in with the Knicks and taking his job.
From the Daily news report:
Jackson, according to a team source, has expressed concern over Thomas’ presence at the Garden, further fueling speculation over Jackson’s future with the Knicks and whether Thomas could be in line to eventually replace Jackson as Knicks president.
“He’s not happy about it but what can he do about it,” said one Garden official, who requested anonymity. “This is just the start of it.”
Jackson has good reason to be concerned. The Knicks were 17-65 and finished with the second-worst record in the league last season. None of Jackson’s philosophies or roster construction moves seemed to work. Meanwhile, now he has to rebuild through the draft, which is something he has never done but one area where Thomas excelled.
Phil has become rattled since taking over the Knicks job. He’s taken issue with comments by Adam Silver and gotten into it with Charles Barkley all over shots at the Knicks. Maybe Jackson is not cut out for this.
What’s comical is how much James Dolan is in love with Isiah. Thomas cost the company over $10 million because of a sexual harassment lawsuit and yet they still bring him back. He just loves the guy and can’t quit him.
Hey, Dolan, while you’re at it, why not bring back Stephon Marbury too? After all, we know how much nasty dirty Marbury has on Isiah. Now that would really spice things up.
Chest bump to Pro Basketball Talk
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