Marvin K. Lovell is a dedicated sports fan. He has written editorials for sports newspapers and has been asked to provide analysis on various issues related to sports on many local radio stations. Previous topics of interest include NCAA Basketball, NBA and the NFL. Currently, he focuses most of his time on NCAA Basketball and the NBA. Often regarded as "the voice of the fan," his sharp, accurate and sometimes brutally honest analysis always get people to talk think and enjoy being a fan. The New York Knicks recently fired Larry Brown and made Isiah Thomas the coach for the 2006-07 season. It is time for Thomas to make sense of all his transactions.
Organization, discipline, preparation and motivation are the key words attributed to the success of a coach or general manger.
Personally, I find that a general manager's role is extremely important and that it must be taken on with a 100% commitment.
It has been noted around the NBA that that the track record of coaches who take on the dual role of coach and GM have had difficulty. Of course there are a few exceptions such, as Gregg Popovich and Pat Riley that have been successful.
That brings me to the New York Knicks recent firing of Larry Brown and inserting Isiah Thomas as coach, who will now have to tackle the duties of coach and GM.
Unfortunately for Thomas, this may be a recipe for disaster. Thomas' job to date as GM has been poor, and now he has to prove the worth of all the transactions he has orchestrated.
Reports are out stating that he plans to play a style similar to the Phoenix Suns as opposed to Larry Brown's defensive-minded and highly structured offense.
It may sound good to the players, but as many coaches and those in management positions would say KYP -- Know Your Personnel!
Phoenix can afford to play the way they do because they have the players that can score.
However, the Knicks struggled on both sides of the floor last season and they do not have the type of players available to execute this style of play.
We will have to wait and see if draft picks or possible trades fulfill Thomas' vision. If not, he will be playing golf this time next season.