James Dolan on the Knicks: ‘Ask Phil’
New York Knicks owner James Dolan watches his team play against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Knicks owner James Dolan gave his usual answer when he was asked about his basketball team during an appearance on “Good Day New York” on Fox.
“Ask Phil,” Dolan said.
Dolan said he’s continuing to leave all basketball decisions to team president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills. Since hiring Jackson in March 2014, Dolan has been mostly hands off and let Jackson run the club.
“It’s all Phil. It’s all Steve,” Dolan said. “I’m working on my music. They’re working on the basketball team.”
The Knicks have missed the playoffs the past four years, including the last three that Jackson has been the head of basketball operations. The Knicks are 80-166 under Jackson’s watch.
This past season, Jackson alienated the Knicks star player Carmelo Anthony. Jackson said Anthony “would be better off somewhere else,” playing for a contender. Kristaps Porzingis also blew off his exit interview with Jackson, Mills and coach Jeff Hornacek because he was frustrated about the constant drama around the team and the direction of the franchise.
Jackson and Mills are in the midst of preparing for the NBA Draft. Among the players the Knicks are working out this week are Kentucky guard Malik Monk and North Carolina forward Justin Jackson. The Knicks have the No. 8 pick on June 22.
On that same night, Dolan and his band, J.D. and the Straight Shot, will be performing at City Winery in Manhattan. Dolan was on Fox 5 Monday morning to promote the band.
Dolan was asked if he had any comment on the August trial involving Charles Oakley. The ex-Knick faces misdemeanor charges from a scuffle with Madison Square Garden security guards who physically removed Oakley from his seat a few rows behind Dolan during a Feb. 8 game.
“No,” Dolan said. “Wish him the best. Wish him the best.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
