Knicks begin search for Walsh's replacement

When Donnie Walsh was still of the mind that he would accept a two-year extension to remain the Knicks' president, he said he and James Dolan discussed candidates who would be hired to take over his general manager duties. That person would be groomed to eventually replace Walsh as president.

With Walsh now out at the end of this month, the types of candidates under consideration -- some included lesser-known executives around the NBA and others, such as Mark Jackson, had no previous experience -- are sure to upgrade.

Walsh previously has brought former Golden State Warriors vice president Chris Mullin to Dolan's attention and was turned down, according to multiple sources. More recently, a source said former Portland Trail Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard was discussed. At this point, multiple sources told Newsday that there are no preferred candidates to replace Walsh and that the process is not expected to be completed before his contract expires June 30.

The sources said Dolan's search is expected to include current members of Walsh's basketball operations staff, such as Glen Grunwald, Mark Warkentien, John Gabriel and Allan Houston, along with the few experienced executives available. The sources said MSG Sports president Scott O'Neil, a highly regarded and valued executive who is focused on business operations for the Garden, will not be in the mix to run the Knicks.

Of the above candidates, the Knicks can't contact Pritchard until July 1, when his contract with the Trail Blazers expires. They fired him last year (in a stunning draft-night announcement) with one season left on his deal.

Pritchard, however, might not be an option for long. Coincidentally, two weeks ago, the Blazers fired Pritchard's replacement, Rich Cho, and an NBA source said Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen's staff recently discussed bringing Pritchard back.

Allen and Dolan have a good relationship, and a source said "there's a good chance Jim would call" Allen about Pritchard, who worked for the Trail Blazers for five years and quickly climbed the ladder from director of player personnel and interim coach to GM.

With so few experienced candidates available, Dolan might prefer to look within. Grunwald has been in the organization since 2006 and is well respected within the Garden, but his connection to Isiah Thomas, who hired him, is problematic from a public-relations standpoint.

Warkentien has a very long resume loaded with experience, plus an NBA Executive of the Year award for the 2008-09 season with the Denver Nuggets. He is represented by CAA, an agency that has Carmelo Anthony (and Chris Paul) on its client list and recently has developed strong corporate ties with the Garden. Houston also is represented by CAA, though his lack of experience likely will keep him from being a top choice.

Warkentien signed a short-term deal with the Knicks in February to serve as pro player personnel director. He currently is advising Walsh on the June 23 draft. "Everything Donnie will do," a person with knowledge of the team's plans said, "will be done with integrity."

The Knicks are in the process of working out possible targets for the 17th pick, with another group, which includes 6-10 forward Jeremy Tyler and Butler guard Shelvin Mack, scheduled for a workout Monday at the MSG Training Center.

The Dolan family owns controlling interests in the Knicks, MSG and Cablevision. Cablevision owns Newsday.