The Knicks Have 99 Problems: James Dolan Is The Biggest One

In the 1970’s, Madison Square Garden was called “The Mecca of Basketball.” The New York Knicks won a title in 1970 and 1973.

In the 1990’s Pat Riley brought some credibility back to New York.

The Knicks went to the NBA Finals in 1994 and lost to the Houston Rockets in 7 games.

In 1999, The Knicks, coached by Jeff Van Gundy, lost to the San Antonio Spurs in 5 games.

James Dolan took over the Knicks in 1999. As Chairman of Madison Square Garden, he supervises day-to-day operations of its professional sports teams and regional sports networks, which include MSG Network and MSG Plus. He also serves as a governor of the Knicks and Rangers to their respective leagues. One could argue that the New York Knicks, under Dolan’s failed leadership, are the most dysfunctional organization in all of sports.

Since 2000:

New York has 1 playoff series win.
Dolan has failed miserably in the draft. Only two players the Knicks have drafted have made the all-star game. David Lee and Kristaps Porzingis. Both were traded the following seasons after the all-star appearance.
The Knicks have hired 14 head coaches in 20 years.
Since 2014, they have a combined record of 147-329.
Last playoff appearance, 2012.

Tom Thibodeau appears to be the leading candidate to coach the Knicks next season. He has a career playoff record of 24-32. He is a defense coach in an offensive league. It would be a terrible fit.

James Dolan has made the wrong decisions for 20 years running an organization he has no business running. He will not acquire quality free agents and his 14 coaching choices, in 20 years, have all been colossal failures. Hiring Thibodeau would be another mistake in a long line of bad moves and terrible mistakes.