Knicks owner James Dolan lauds original turnaround plan from Leon Rose: 'We're kind of there'

[ad_1]

When the Knicks hired longtime player agent Leon Rose as their president in March 2020, the on-court product wasn't the least bit appealing. They were in the midst of their seventh straight losing season, beset by a reputation known for instability and a constant struggle to attract star talent.

But it didn't take long for Rose to lay the foundation of a winning culture and meet the team's desperate expectations. In five years at the helm, the once-super agent has built a playoff contender, as the current Knicks are well on pace to achieve consecutive 50-win campaigns for the first time in three decades.

The Knicks believed that Rose's relationships and experience in the league would yield positive results in a front office role, and according to team owner James Dolan, their initially-shared vision is being realized.

"We're kind of there. [Karl-Anthony Towns] was sort of the last piece. I'm not expecting any significant changes," Dolan said on the latest episode of the Roommates Show podcast with Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. "Now it's all up to these guys, the coach, to make it happen. I don't know. Do you think we're missing any pieces?…

"It feels like it's kind of a puzzle, where you change one piece, it changes all the other pieces. We've got to figure all that out, figure it out on the court. I think the fans, as much as they want it every day, they're on this journey with you. They do see it. I feel it. I feel the team is growing, growing, growing. I think the fans see the same thing."

While the Knicks haven't played at full strength for prolonged periods of time this season — Brunson is the latest starter sidelined due to injury — adversity isn't exactly impeding progress. Their record of 42-23 is best for third in the Eastern Conference, and they rank sixth in the NBA in average points, fifth in offensive rating, and third in field goal percentage.

It's no secret that Brunson is the catalyst. Entering the All-Star break, he ranked first in points, assists, and minutes among all 28-year-olds in the league this season, and in late January, he became the fastest player in Knicks history to…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sny.tv/articles/knicks-owner-james-dolan-team-turnaround-leon-rose

Author :

Publish date : 2025-03-13 22:36:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.