By: Tyler Ward
I'm sure all Knicks fans are sad right now (please note that sarcasm) - Isiah Thomas, who successfully doomed the Knicks for the latter part of the decade, will not be their consultant after all. Rather surprising move, I should say, but great relief for the Knicks.
Sources say that Thomas rescinded his offer to the NBA's front office because of the conflict of interest laws the NBA has instituted. He is already the head coach of Florida International University and led the team to a 7-25 record last season. It is a smart decision, albeit it should have been thought of sooner, because of the possible tampering charges that could be handed down.
Tampering is inappropriate contract between athletes and agents or franchise employees. What draws the line between tampering and non-tampering? Proper communication. When a team isn't rightfully notified of a player's talk between an agent or franchise employee, it falls under that rule. But, there can be talks between a player and a team when it is agreed upon by both sides.
In 2008, the NBA implemented the tampering rule, stating "If a member of your organization is asked by the media about a potential free agent prior to the July 1 following the last season covered by the player's contract, or about any other person under contract with another NBA team, the only proper response is to decline comment."
So, if Thomas did take the job with the Knicks and coached FIU at the same time, there could be possible tampering charges if Thomas talked to one of his FIU players about joining the Knicks. So, one can naturally see, that it would not be a smart idea for Thomas to take the Knicks' consultant job.
"I couldn't be the [Knicks] GM. But we checked with the NCAA and you can do it. I'm excited about what we're building here at FIU and that will continue to be my main focus," Thomas said. "In my spare time, when I do have time, just like I've always done, I'll consult and advise the Knicks whenever they ask for my help."
But, I still want to ask - Why, Knicks, why? Why would you even want to bring back the one person who successfully ruined your team for 4+ years? Eddy Curry. The Stephon Marbury Experiment. Trading for a bitter Steve Francis. Sexually harrassing an employee. Should I go on? Well, I am. I just want to give ya'll a recap of some of the key Isiah Thomas decisions.
- Prior to the 2006-07 season, the Knicks signed forward Jared Jeffries to a 5-year/$30 million contract. He was dealt to the Rockets at the trade deadline last season. His best season with the Knicks? Statistically, last season - Jeffries played in 52 games (37 starts), averaging 5.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Quite the signing.
- After a decent season with the Sonics in 2004-05, Jerome James signed a 5-year/$30 million contract with the Isiah Thomas' Knicks. He was dealt in February 2009 to the Chicago Bulls. In four seasons with New York, James averaged 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. He also played in a limited 89 games. Definitely worth the $30 million.- February 23, 2006: Knicks trade Trevor Ariza and Penny Hardaway to the Magic for Steve Francis. I think we all know how this turned out.
- Using 1st round picks on Renaldo Balkman, Mardy Collins, and Channing Frye. All three of which are no longer with the team. Balkman has played minimal minutes throughout his career and Collins has started 31 games in four seasons with the Knicks and Clippers. Thomas helped draft All-Star David Lee, but the Knicks failed to re-sign him to a new contract this offseason (Lee is now with the Warriors). Thomas also traded their 2004 second round pick, Trevor Ariza, to the Orlando Magic - Ariza only lasted a little over one season in the big apple.
