James Dolan expects Knicks to make playoffs, backs Leon Rose
The expectations for the 2022-23 Knicks are clear: a playoff berth.
That comes from Knicks governor James Dolan, who spoke concerning the Knicks throughout a wide-ranging interview Friday on WFAN’s Carton & Roberts Show.
“I believe our expectations needs to be that the workforce makes the playoffs,” Dolan mentioned.
When requested if a first-round playoff exit would meet expectations, the proprietor mentioned, “It’s actually about did they get higher. Did we construct sufficient this season that within the offseason we are able to make a transfer or two and get even higher, get even nearer?”
The Knicks enter the weekend 4 video games over .500 and in seventh place within the Japanese Convention. If the season ended right now, they’d be within the play-in event.
Dolan was requested if workforce president Leon Rose is doing job in the intervening time.
“Sure, completely,” he mentioned. “Why did I convey Leon in? I’ve been doing this for now 20-something years. In my expertise with the NBA, there’s issues you are able to do as an proprietor. You’ll be able to create an atmosphere the place everyone’s – give them sufficient cash to do their job. Give them more cash than they should do their job (laughs). You’ll be able to keep out of the way in which, which is often the very best plan of action.
“However you do find yourself choosing the one man who’s going to make all of the technique. Who’s going to execute for you. I picked Leon as a result of I imagine [if] you take a look at the NBA and the sport that we play, I imagine that the workforce with the very best expertise wins. You then need a man that may get you the very best expertise. And I imagine that Leon Rose continues to be the very best man.”
That affirms the concept Rose and his group had been introduced in to accumulate star expertise. They acquired Jalen Brunson as a free agent within the offseason. Brunson has, objectively, helped push the membership in the suitable path. However it’s truthful to imagine that Dolan needs Rose to accumulate extra high-end expertise throughout his tenure.
Dolan was requested within the WFAN interview if there’s any timetable for Rose to ship a high participant to the Knicks.
“No, I might say much less of a timetable [now]. Although, ultimately, there’s a timetable,” he mentioned. “However proper now, what we’re searching for is progress. We wish to construct right into a championship workforce. We absolutely anticipate to make the playoffs this 12 months. That can positively be a benchmark. Look, that is sports activities. If Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle get damage, it’s in all probability going to be robust. Mitchell [Robinson] goes to be out for a short time.”
Dolan added that he has no plans to promote the Knicks or retire as workforce proprietor within the close to future. As soon as he does step down, the workforce will stay within the management of his household.
“Somebody within the household will ultimately personal it,” he mentioned.