Let's hope for the best, Knicks Fans

So Mike D’Antoni is the new coach of the Knicks. Here’s a thought: Is questionable ethics questionable ethics, or “just” doing business? It’s very clear that former Knick Mark Jackson and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf are upset with the pick. Reinsdorf thought he had his man to lead the young, talented Bulls.

Meanwhile, various reports had Jackson so sure he was going to get the job, he was interviewing potential assistants. Recently fired Mavericks coach Avery Johnson was also interviewed and also felt confident about his chances. In the end, the Knicks took who they thought was the most experienced guy, and D’Antoni went for the money.

As I said last week, ANYONE is better than Isiah Thomas. I know for certain one guy, Reggie from Queens, who would be more vocal than Magic Johnson and Dick Vitale behind the bench. D’Antoni has a nice resume, but the usual questions remain:

Will he adapt his up tempo style to the current Knicks team? Will he stress ANY defense? Will he be patient with the idea of LOSING, which we all know will happen as the team tries to get out of salary cap hell? Will Jim Dolan be patient? All reasons why that while I don’t doubt D’Antoni’s knowledge, Mark Jackson, a New York guy who understands the need to be patient and let the team grow, would be a better fit. Unlike D’Antoni, Jackson clearly wanted the job-he quit the YES Network to go after the Knicks.

To me, this just smells of Jim Dolan thinking that its more important the team put a desirable product on the court: Even if they DON’T win, they’ll entertain. Dolan doesn’t get it. I guarantee Knicks fans would be patient for a few years if they knew that in say, 2012, they would have a consistent winner through good drafts and signings that is a legitimate NBA title contender.

Here’s another nugget to chew on: D’Antoni gets a 4 year deal, Walsh is just starting a three year deal that ends at age 70. So who will be in charge, who will be the GM? As with all things in life, we’ll have to wait and see.