Empty the Bench

After years of running the most valuable franchise in the NBA into the ground, all it took was three-fourths of one mediocre season for Isiah Thomas to rekindle his special relationship with James Dolan. The New York Daily News has reported that Thomas, who is on everybody’s short list for worst GM in basketball, will receive a contract extension and be back coaching at Madison Square next season. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Dolan had been doing a lot of posturing early in the season, suggesting that Thomas would have to prove he deserved to stick around. Apparently, posting a sub-.500 winning percentage (29-34) while spending about $117 million (220% of the salary cap, the most in the NBA, which will incur the luxury tax, tacking on well over $60 million more) is proof enough for this man. I might be in the wrong line of work, because clearly ETB could learn a thing or two from Dolan about how to treat their talent.

If the Knicks were to falter down the stretch and not reach the playoffs, Dolan’s decision to make the announcement today could come back to haunt him.

According to many current and former Garden employees, Dolan likes being the contrarian when it comes to making high-level decisions. His history supports that theory.

Dolan gave Don Chaney a contract extension when the Knicks’ season was falling apart and just hours after a blowout loss. Dolan also fired Lenny Wilkens, the NBA’s all-time winningest coach, despite a 40-41 record. Dolan made the call moments after the Knicks under Wilkens lost to the Houston Rockets on a last-second shot.

Dolan agreed to pay Brown $50 million over five years, only to fire him after one 23-win season. Throughout Brown’s first year, Dolan was quick to remind reporters that Brown’s teams usually struggle in
Year 1 but always become winners.

So we’re all agreed: savvy business decision by Mr. Dolan.