James Dolan, who owns the rights to destroy the New York Knicks franchise, continues to destroy the New York Knicks franchise. Matt Ellentuck pulls out the key points from Dolan’s bonkers ESPN Radio interview this week, an interview nominally intended to provide damage control after Dolan ridiculously banned a fan for … uh, mildly heckling him on camera after a game.
There’s a lot in Dolan’s interview about having thin skin for a billionaire, Bill Simmons conspiracy theories, and an absurd stance on media coverage. But the most interesting bit is about the Knicks’ much ballyhooed upcoming free agency. Many of us think Kevin Durant has basically all but signed with the Knicks already. Dolan tells the world that he has been told the Knicks will have “a very successful offseason.” This is really foolish on multiple levels.
First, without specifically mentioning Durant, it feeds into the rampant Durant and Kyrie Irving rumors, which is going to push another teams to blow the tampering whistle on the Knicks. I imagine the Knicks would really prefer not to have the league look into any early conversations they’ve had with the representatives of any of these big free agents.
Second, it sets high expectations from the inside for fans of a team that is somehow, against all odds and the laws of physics, always in free fall. “We’re going to have a very successful offseason,” says the franchisee of a team that has the league’s worst overall record (618-910) since the 2000-01 season.
Third, every time Dolan opens his mouth, he reminds would-be Knicks that he runs the team. This can only be bad for the Knicks’ free agent prospects.
Knicks fans seemed shockingly upbeat amid a hideous 13-55 season … until Dolan opened his mouth and ruined the vibes. Fitting.
Scores
Magic 90, Wizards 100
Nets 96, Thunder 108
Pistons 74, Heat 108
Grizzlies 111, Hawks 132
Warriors 106, Rockets 104
Jazz 114, Suns 97
Schedule
All times Eastern. Games on League Pass unless otherwise noted.
Thunder at Pacers, 7
Cavaliers at Magic, 7
Kings at Celtics, 7:30
Lakers at Raptors, 8, TNT
Timberwolves at Jazz, 9
Mavericks at Nuggets, 10:30, TNT
Links
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