Why Donnie Walsh & New York Knicks Could Keep Isiah Thomas

The Associated Press reports on Donnie Walsh’s next job:

Walsh, the team’s CEO and president since 1988, said Monday he would step aside after this season, his 24th year with the Pacers. He would not comment on his future, including media reports that he already has been talking with the New York Knicks about taking over as their president.

The AM Take: Reports are circulating that Walsh and the Knicks have agreed to a three year, 15 million dollar contract. The long-time Indiana executive will apparently run New York’s front office.

So Walsh is in. And Thomas is out, right? Well, not exactly. Surprisingly, Zeke, after all his drama and dysfunction, may have a job going forward in The Big Apple. Here’s why …

• Walsh and Thomas have a solid personal and professional relationship from their time in Indiana. This duo believes they can work together.

• New York owner James Dolan is too loyal. Don’t be shocked if he retains Thomas just because the Hall of Fame point guard refused to publicly bash the organization. 

• Thomas usually has the angles covered. This is something he learned growing up in the Southside of Chicago; he’ll have a plan to stay in New York. 

Of course, Dolan is finally hiring outside help, so perhaps he now understands how cancerous Thomas has been. And Walsh, like most high-profile executives, probably has the option to keep or fire Thomas as coach.

Nobody knows the fate of New York’s temperamental coach. Debating Thomas’ future is another example of James Dolan and New York`s madness.

Should Walsh keep or fire Thomas? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts. Click here to read Oly`s NBA blog and get his daily AM Take.