If there’s one thing that’s certain, there’s always something going on behind-the-scenes at Madison Square Garden. ALWAYS.
NBA champion and former Knicks head coach and GM Isiah Thomas was hired yesterday as the new president of the New York liberty. This new role also includes ownership interest as well, and will make him responsible for business and basketball operations. From the looks of it, Isaiah has been involved behind-the-scenes for some time now, having played an instrumental role some of the teams recent staffing and player acquisitions, including the re-hiring of coach (and former NBA teammate) Bill Laimbeer. In the official press statement, team owner and executive chairman James Dolan stated:
“In the fall, Isiah and I began discussions about a possible role for him with the Liberty. Since that time, Isiah has been advising the team, and we are very pleased with the results. He has overseen the strengthening of our coaching staff, with the return of three-time WNBA Champion head coach Bill Laimbeer and the hiring of Herb Williams as assistant coach, as well as our recent free agent signings, draft strategy, trade for Epiphanny Prince and the return of Liberty legend, Teresa Weatherspoon. Now, we’ve agreed that it is time for him to take a lead role with the team as president, and through his ownership interest. He’s an excellent judge of talent, and I’m confident that he will put all of his energy and experience into making the Liberty a perennially competitive and successful team.”
The move isn’t fully complete, however. New owners must be approved by the WNBA Board of Governors, and the process has yet to begin. In a brief interview with the Associated Press, WNBA President Laurel Richie stated:
“Once we receive that application our vetting process will begin. We have read the reports in the news and that will be a part of our vetting process, absolutely. We have an annual meeting in December and the rest of our meetings are ad hoc meetings. This would be an ad hoc meeting.”
Last time Isiah was at MSG, he was head of basketball operations for the New York Knicks (2003-2008), and then served as their head coach (2006-2008), only finishing his stint their with a dismal record of 56-108, including a 23-59 record in 2007-08. Most memorable was a $11.6 million sexual harassment suit brought on by a former MSG executive against Isiah, which he lost. Despite his bumpy pat with the MSG family, Isiah is looking forward to this opportunity to take the Liberty to the next level and back on track for a title:
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the New York Liberty and help the franchise reclaim its position as one of the elite teams in the WNBA. Following a conversation with Jim about his thoughts on the franchise, I expressed my interest and enthusiasm for taking responsibility for both the basketball and business operations, as well as for taking an ownership interest in the team. To me, basketball is basketball. These women are outstanding athletes who want to compete for a championship in New York. I look forward to this challenge – not just to win a title, but also to help broaden the team’s fanbase.”
Needless to say, this news was met with mixed emotions, including concern over the hiring someone who is accused of sexual harassment to run a WOMEN’S organization. We’ll have to wait and see which direction the Board of Governors takes their pending vote, and if he truly has turned a new leaf. One thing is for sure: with all this controversy surrounding this bold move(which NY fans are definitely accustomed to dealing with), the Liberty BETTER be in the playoffs.
(*Read the full press release here*)
