The death knell sounded Friday for Isiah Thomas' career with the New York Knicks. Although he will remain within the organization, the former Detroit Pistons point guard was fired as coach of the team following a tumultuous season on and off the court.
"It's very difficult to be the coach and general manager," said Thomas, according to the Associated Press. "Maybe it was too much."
Thomas, who also was team president a little more than two weeks ago, will now report directly to new president Donnie Walsh. One of Walsh's first decisions after officially replacing Thomas on April 2 was to change coaches as he begins the process of turning around a team that never won a playoff game in Thomas' tenure.
"I just believe a new voice, a new coach, is necessary to change the direction of the team," Walsh said. "This is a coveted job. People want to coach here."
The Knicks finished 23-59, matching the franchise record for losses, in their seventh straight losing season. Thomas was found to have sexually harassed a former team employee, feuded with point guard Stephon Marbury and benched center Eddy Curry. Also, the players Thomas acquired in the two biggest of a number of moves that never panned out.
Walsh wants a new coach in place by the draft in June. He hasn't talked to any candidates, but mentioned former Knick and current TV analyst Mark Jackson, and assistant coach Herb Williams as people who likely would be interviewed.
"It's very difficult to be the coach and general manager," said Thomas, according to the Associated Press. "Maybe it was too much."
Thomas, who also was team president a little more than two weeks ago, will now report directly to new president Donnie Walsh. One of Walsh's first decisions after officially replacing Thomas on April 2 was to change coaches as he begins the process of turning around a team that never won a playoff game in Thomas' tenure.
"I just believe a new voice, a new coach, is necessary to change the direction of the team," Walsh said. "This is a coveted job. People want to coach here."
The Knicks finished 23-59, matching the franchise record for losses, in their seventh straight losing season. Thomas was found to have sexually harassed a former team employee, feuded with point guard Stephon Marbury and benched center Eddy Curry. Also, the players Thomas acquired in the two biggest of a number of moves that never panned out.
Walsh wants a new coach in place by the draft in June. He hasn't talked to any candidates, but mentioned former Knick and current TV analyst Mark Jackson, and assistant coach Herb Williams as people who likely would be interviewed.
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