Knicks and N.Y. Rangers owner James Dolan discussed the state of both franchises on WFAN’s “The Craig Carton Show,” his first public interview since Jan. 2023. Dolan said of the Knicks’ decision to move on from head coach Tom Thibodeau after last season’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals, “The team is built on the shoulders of Tom Thibodeau. He built that core. … We needed to evolve. … We tried to work that with Tom, but it really wasn’t his thing. … I won’t say you can’t win a title with Tom. … It’s just if you want to build long term competitor. … You need someone who’s much more of a collaborator. …Tom’s a great coach; he should be a coach in the NBA again.” He added of any potential moves to acquire another high-impact player, such as Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo, “We love our team. I’ve never seen more copacetic locker room. [Knicks President] Leon [Rose] can overrule me, but I don’t see us making big change. We need to build up this group. This group could win a championship. I believe it.” As for the Rangers, Dolan expressed confidence in maligned GM Chris Drury. Dolan: “He and [coach] Mike Sullivan are installing a new culture in that club. … I’m being patient. … Culture doesn’t turn around overnight” (“The Craig Carton Show,” 1/5).
