Three people with ties to West told Newsday yesterday that the Hall of Famer would be interested in running the Knicks if the job were offered to him."He would definitely take the job," said one of the people, a former executive in the league familiar with West's thinking as he weighs his options almost a year after retiring from his post with the Memphis Grizzlies.
A current executive said that although West has confided that he's not sure he wants to run another franchise now, "It wouldn't surprise me. He's such an A-type personality. It's hard for him to sit on the sidelines and not be involved."
"I have not had any contact from anyone about any job, period," West told Newsday. "I have not been approached. I do not know what my response would be to any job opportunity, but I'm not out actively campaigning for anything."
As for those who insist West wants the Knicks' job, he said, "That's something I've never indicated to anyone."
But those close to West say privately that running the Knicks always has intrigued him. Despite the popular notion that he isn't comfortable with New York, West said, "The disdain I would have for New York, that would be a very strong word." West said he's not sure how he would react if the Knicks approached him, but didn't close the door.
"When you're not working, you spend a lot of time and you say to yourself, 'Should someone else have an opportunity? Am I still capable of doing these things?"' West said. "So I question myself all the time, I do. But I don't know what I would do ... I'm just never sure whether or not I want to do something again."
But the more West spoke on the phone, the more it became apparent that his passion for basketball has not receded.
"You need routines and you need habits," West said. "And my routines and habits have been because of basketball, nothing else."
League executives and former executives monitoring recent reports about the Knicks' interest in Donnie Walsh believe the Pacers' CEO prefers to stay in Indiana. They are mystified that West's name has been largely ignored.
When West announced his retirement last April, Garden chairman James Dolan said in a radio interview that if Thomas was OK with bringing in West, "I'd be prime for this." Dolan has not commented publicly in more than a year, and Garden spokesman Barry Watkins declined to comment.
Those familiar with West's thinking said he is intrigued by the fan support in New York and the prestige of the job, and that he noticed how the city embraced the Giants after they won Super Bowl XLII. But they also say he recognizes what an immense challenge turning around the Knicks would be.
His concerns are said to include how quickly the roster could be rebuilt and the fact that the organization is contractually bound to Thomas, with whom West is known to share mutual respect and admiration. Asked if he would consider the job if required to keep Thomas as coach, West said, "I would not answer that question."
The most important question for the Knicks to propose to West - "Would you be interested?" - hasn't been asked yet.
"I don't know if I'd do it," West said. "It would be nice, privately, if somebody had an interest enough to want to talk to you about it. That would be exciting, yes."
Well, managing a New York City franchise is always a hot job. I doubt West will pass up on the job if the opportunity is given. If that's the case, then I think the Knicks will have a very good future. I think Dolan is ready to fire Isiah Thomas.
Re: The Logo is interested in being part of the Knicks?
Well, West is more than capable of turning Knicks into a winning franchise again. Will Dolan bank his arrival?
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Re: The Logo is interested in being part of the Knicks?
West went senile long ago. He's the same guy that said he was getting a great young talent out of Princeton twice about Hakeem Warrick and about somebody else. I don't know if he's a good move necessarily.
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Re: The Logo is interested in being part of the Knicks?
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Originally Posted by urwhatueati8god
West went senile long ago. He's the same guy that said he was getting a great young talent out of Princeton twice about Hakeem Warrick and about somebody else. I don't know if he's a good move necessarily.
Co damn sign! No more old goats! Ur, what do you think of Walsh? I'm not to happy with that possible selection either.
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Re: The Logo is interested in being part of the Knicks?
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Originally Posted by DaRizzle
lol...you guys don't want West?!?! You all are crazy, he is the BEST thing that could possibly happen to your team
At this stage, and being the joke of the entire league since Scott Layden and Isiah Thomas took over, Knick fans have the right to be extremely picky. Futhermore, I didn't think he did such a great job with Memphis during his tenure there as well.
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Re: The Logo is interested in being part of the Knicks?
He was in Memphis!!! You try to make something out of a team down there! Its obvious the owner obviously doesn't want to spent money and the team might as well be in Canada in the players (Free Agents)eyes. West put a team that made the playoffs in the west three years straight (then swept). He made all the right moves and picks for the Lakers and taught Mitch Kupchak who it now looks like he has been making all the right moves and picks. West would have also had Lebron or Melo on MEM if the previous GM hadn't traded away the pick that was only protected if it was #1 in the draft and bad luck with the ping pong balls.
That said..I really dont want to sell you on the idea because you are the opposition, but the truth is the truth
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Look at all the public outcry for DaRizzle's freedom. You would think he was Nelson Mandela or something!
Re: The Logo is interested in being part of the Knicks?
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaRizzle
He was in Memphis!!! You try to make something out of a team down there! Its obvious the owner obviously doesn't want to spent money and the team might as well be in Canada in the players (Free Agents)eyes. West put a team that made the playoffs in the west three years straight (then swept). He made all the right moves and picks for the Lakers and taught Mitch Kupchak who it now looks like he has been making all the right moves and picks. West would have also had Lebron or Melo on MEM if the previous GM hadn't traded away the pick that was only protected if it was #1 in the draft and bad luck with the ping pong balls.
That said..I really dont want to sell you on the idea because you are the opposition, but the truth is the truth
No it's actually your opinion and mind as well and again..I rather go in a different direction. I'm not sure who I want yet, but West isn't what I have in mind.
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The Logo is interested in being part of the Knicks?
Ur, what do you think of Walsh? I'm not to happy with that possible selection either.
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