Knicks Owner James Dolan Sets Finals-or-Bust Goal, Explains Thibodeau Exit
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NEW YORK — Speaking publicly about the franchise for the first time in nearly three years, Knicks owner James Dolan said the team must reach — and expects to win — the NBA Finals this season.
“We want to get to the Finals. And we should win the Finals,” the 70-year-old executive told WFAN host Craig Carton on Monday, January 5.
Coaching Change After Conference Finals Run
Dolan defended last summer’s decision to dismiss Tom Thibodeau, even though the Knicks had just reached their first Eastern Conference finals in 25 years. He credited the former coach for reviving the club but said the organization needed “to evolve beyond the old traditional coaching formulas.”
According to Dolan, he and president of basketball operations Leon Rose met several times with Thibodeau about expanding the roles of young players and reducing the workload on starters. “I won’t say you can’t win a title with Tom Thibodeau,” Dolan noted, adding that the 66-year-old “should coach in the NBA again.”
Confidence in Current Roster
New York entered Monday’s game in Detroit at 23-13 after three consecutive losses, a skid that grew to four when the top-seeded Pistons won decisively. Dolan nonetheless rejected an ESPN report that the Knicks explored a summer trade for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“We love our team right now,” he said, emphasizing locker-room chemistry and insisting he does not expect “a big change” before the trade deadline.
Injured Wings Nearing Return
Dolan projected that guard Josh Hart and swingman Landry Shamet, both sidelined, should return within the next week. He believes added depth and better health will leave the Knicks in stronger playoff condition than a year ago.
NBA Cup Banner Not Planned
The Knicks captured the NBA Cup last month, but Dolan said Madison Square Garden will only raise a banner for an eventual league championship. “We want an NBA championship, we don’t want some consolation prize,” he told reporters.
Source: Hoops Rumors
