Returning the Garden to Eden | Maize's Knicks 2.0

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NBA News

Eastern Conference First Round Results


#1 Milwaukee Bucks defeat #8 Detroit Pistons in 4 games


#4 Toronto Raptors defeat #5 Miami Heat in 7 games


#3 Philadelphia 76ers defeat #6 Indiana Pacers in 6 games


#2 Boston Celtics defeat #7 Brooklyn Nets in 6 games

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals


#1 Milwaukee Bucks vs. #4 Toronto Raptors


#2 Boston Celtics vs. #3 Philadelphia 76ers

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New York Daily News

MSG Sports Announces Sales to Mets' Owner, Investors | May 20, 2020
After getting initial approval from the NBA and NHL, the Dolan family has finalized their sale of MSG Sports to a new ownership group: the New York Premiere Sports Management Group. Led by Steven Cohen, the billionaire hedge fund executive and majority owner of the New York Mets; Cohen now adds the Knicks and Rangers to his growing sports franchise portfolio.

The investor group has agreed to buy 65% of the voting shares in MSG Sports from the Dolan family. Previously, the Dolan family owned 71% of the voting shares. They will continue to own a minority share, with James Dolan holding onto a small voting share (4%). The Dolan family will also continue to own Madison Square Garden, the arena that will remain home to the Knicks and Rangers.

Part of the agreement was signing a multi-year lease agreement to keep the Knicks and Rangers in MSG for the known future. The exact details of the lease were not released, but it was agreed to in the lengthy negotiations.

The deal for 65% of the voting shares in MSG Sports was for a reported $5.07 billion. That means MSG Sports and all of its' assets are valued at $7.8 billion. The Knicks, easily the most valuable part of the deal, are worth almost $5 billion.

In addition to this move, Cohen and his group (Jason Levien, Steven Kaplan, and Daniel Straus) also bought additional outstanding shares that included another 3% of voting shares from the Vanguard Group. That investment group owned 8% of the outstanding shares, but sold as Cohen consolidated voting shares and now owns two-thirds of the MSG Sports voting shares.

This also led to a slight bump in MSG Sports' stock price, especially after the deal set the valuation at just shy of $8 billion. This also led many Knicks and Rangers fans to cheer for the end of the Dolan era.

Now starts a new era of New York sports. Steven Cohen, owning three major sports franchises in New York, has quickly become the king of New York sports.

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NBA News

Western Conference Semi-Finals Results


#1 L.A. Lakers defeat #5 Denver Nuggets in 4 games


#2 L.A. Clippers defeat #6 Dallas Mavericks in 6 games

Western Conference Finals


#1 L.A. Lakers vs. #2 L.A. Clippers

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NBA News

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals Results


#4 Toronto Raptors defeat #1 Milwaukee Bucks in 6 games


#3 Philadelphia 76ers defeat #2 Boston Celtics in 5 games

Eastern Conference Finals


#3 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #4 Toronto Raptors

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New York Daily News

Knicks Reorganize Front Office, Name Arn Tellem President | May 29, 2020
Having been in charge for less than a month, Steve Cohen is already leaving his mark on the New York Knicks. Part of his initial bid for MSG Sports was the inclusion of Arn Tellem as board member for his new sports management company. Tellem left his position as Vice Chairman of the Detroit Pistons and has now been named Team President of the New York Knicks.

Tellem, 65, is a Philadelphia native who became one of the most powerful sports agents in the business. Formerly working with Casey Wasserman at the Wasserman Media Group (WMG), he left that position to join the Detroit Pistons front office in June of 2015. At the time of his departure from WMG, he ranked first among NBA player agents in players repped (42), All-Stars (12), maxed-out contracts (six) and clients' salaries ($324,980,992).

He had many high-profile clients during his time as an agent, most notably being Kobe Bryant. Bryant signed with Tellem at the age of 18, and their careers would take off with a similar trajectory. Now, at the same time Kobe Bryant is expanding his interest outside basketball, his former agent is taking over the most valuable NBA franchise.

Tellem left the Pistons after close to five years working alongside new owner Tom Gores. Gores trusted Tellem to give him an inside edge on the NBA; and Tellem led the Pistons to a new downtown arena and helped to grow their standing within the league. The Knicks are hoping he can do the same for them.

Different this time is Tellem will be taking the top basketball position within the franchise. Many have compared the move to the Lakers hiring Rob Pelinka; who now serves as the team's Vice President of Basketball Operations.

Tellem will be taking the place of Steve Mills, who is reportedly leaving the Knicks franchise. Mills has a long history with the Knicks, dating back to being name COO of Sports Business for MSG in 2003. He was promoted to Team President in 2017, following the departure of Phil Jackson from the organization.

The move to replace Mills with Tellem could also mean the end of Scott Perry as the team's General Manager. Perry had a long history of front office work in the NBA, working in multiple stints with the Detroit Pistons, and also with the Seattle Supersonics and Orlando Magic (just prior to being hired by the Knicks).

While a decision hasn't been announced, his time with the Knicks only included three seasons. Yet it is the three-year stretch with the worst win percentage in franchise history. His tenure will be remembered for the decision to fire Jeff Hornacek, hire David Fizdale, trade Kristaps Porzingis and drafting Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox, and R.J. Barrett in the first round of the NBA Draft.

Arn Tellem said in an introductory press conference that he would meet with Perry before making a decision, but his position comes with goals from new ownership. Part of those goals include making the post-season and "building a roster that can win."

The decision to put Tellem at the head of the Knicks has been met with praise throughout the league. Now, the work starts to rebuild the Knicks.

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NBA News

Western Conference Finals Results


#1 L.A. Lakers defeat #2 L.A. Clippers in 6 games

Eastern Conference Finals Results


#4 Toronto Raptors defeat #3 Philadelphia 76ers in 7 games




L.A. Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors

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New York Daily News

Knicks' Interim HC Miller Named to Front Office Role | June 4, 2020
Earlier this year, when Mike Miller was named the Knicks' interim Head Coach; he took over the team with the worst record in the NBA. At the time, the Knicks were 4-18 and headed for another lost year at Madison Square Garden.

Since December 6th when David Fizdale was fired, the Knicks rebounded and finished 21-39 under Mike Miller. That meant finishing with the second worst record in the league, still giving them a great chance at the top pick in the NBA Draft later this month.

Much of what Mike Miller did as Head Coach was getting younger players involved in the rotation. Part of that was made easier by a trade with Portland. Also, injuries to veterans late in the season allowed younger players to get extended auditions.

More than that, Miller simplified the schemes and allowed his players to make mistakes. The Knicks seemingly had nothing to lose and started playing like a team with that freedom. This allowed a lot of younger players to enjoy standout moments. Plus, allowing new Team President Arn Tellem to make decisions about the players that will make up the core of this team going forward.

As he makes that decision, he has decided to keep Mike Miller along for the future. The former journeyman coach will now join the Knicks front office, likely in the Pro Personnel and Pro Scouting departments. His role in player development was applauded late in the season. Now, he will use those skills to continue to improve the Knicks roster.

It's the first reported front office hire that Tellem has made. Tellem mentioned that he wants a General Manager hired and in place by the end of this week. So far, he has met for a short interview with Toronto's Masai Ujiri, whose Raptors team has made it back to the NBA Finals.

Since they might need to wait on an answer from Masai, the Knicks have gone forward with other interviews. Those candidates that have interviewed thus far: Troy Weaver, currently the Thunder's Vice President of Basketball Operations and Assistant General Manager; Milt Newton, Bucks' Assistant General Manager; Brian Wright, Spurs' Assistant General Manager; Malik Rose, Pistons' Assistant General Manager.

Tellem is familiar with Malik Rose from their time in Detroit together. As for the others, they are all candidates that have been floated for other open General Manager positions in the past. The things they all have in common: they're young, minority candidates that have a background in scouting and player development.

The NBA Draft is quickly approaching, meaning the Knicks might not have much time to wait. First, they want to fill the General Manager position; allowing for that person to have a role in hiring a new Head Coach. That all could happen in the next two weeks, what's expected to be a busy time for Arn Tellem and the Knicks.

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New York Daily News

Knicks Name Troy Weaver as General Manager | June 8, 2020
After much speculation during the weekend, the New York Knicks announced a Monday morning press conference to announce their next General Manager. Team President Arn Tellem first addressed the media, getting an opportunity to introduce Troy Weaver as the team's new General Manager.

Troy Weaver comes to New York after spending a decade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Working directly under Sam Presti, Weaver has earned a sterling reputation in the league for his player scouting and roster development.

A basketball lifer, Weaver grew up in Washington D.C., playing at Prince George's Community College. He quickly moved his way through the coaching and scouting ranks, working his way to the number-two position in the Thunder front office.

Before becoming the Thunder's Vice President of Basketball Operations, he previously worked as a scout with the Utah Jazz. After a season-long stint as Director of Player Development, he was hired by Sam Presti to join the Thunder.

Weaver first gained notoriety as the lead recruiter for former Knick, Carmelo Anthony. Weaver was part of the reason Anthony chose to attend Syracuse University, leading the Orange to a National Championship. Being on staff for the 2003 National Championship, the title catapulted both Weaver and Anthony to the NBA.

Team President Arn Tellem said that Weaver was quick to stand out during the interview process. While there was much speculation about the organization's interest in Masai Ujiri, the franchise decided not to wait and hired Weaver.

Having been bypassed for front office promotions in the past, Weaver just continued to build a strong resume. He was instrumental in bringing Paul George to OKC, along with the trade of Russell Westbrook to Houston. Always thinking ahead, he was part of the organization's brain trust that was constantly building rosters that competed in the Western Conference.

Next for Weaver and Tellem is finding a Head Coach for the Knicks. The Knicks have had six Head Coaches since their last playoff appearance in 2013. Much like the search for a General Manager, the Knicks want to move quick but will be vetting quality candidates. They're hoping major structural change to the organization will woo strong candidates to the job.

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NBA News




L.A. Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors
Game One: Toronto Raptors 109, L.A. Lakers 98
Game Two: Toronto Raptors 101, L.A. Lakers 104
Game Three: L.A. Lakers 112, Toronto Raptors 89
Game Four: L.A. Lakers 91, Toronto Raptors 97
Game Five: Toronto Raptors 88, L.A. Lakers 96
Game Six: L.A. Lakers 117, Toronto Raptors 112 (OT)

Los Angeles Lakers win 2020 NBA Finals
NBA Finals MVP: LeBron James, SF | LAL | 30 PPG, 7 APG, 5 APG, 57% FG%, 41% 3PT%

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End of 2019-20 Season
Overall Record: 26-56
Record at Home: 14-27
Standings: 5th in Atlantic | 14th in East
Stats Leaders:

Spoiler

Points: Julius Randle - 16.2 PPG
Rebounds: Hassan Whiteside - 11.3 RPG
Assists: Elfrid Payton - 4.8 APG
Steals: Frank Ntilikina - 1.4 SPG
Blocks: Mitchell Robinson - 1.9 BPG

Player Awards: R.J. Barrett, All-Rookie 1st Team
League MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers over Toronto Raptors in 6 games

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NBA News

Players Retiring
HOU Nene, C (17 Years Pro)
NBA Pau Gasol, C (17 Years Pro)
MIL Kyle Korver, SF (16 Years Pro)
MIA Udonis Haslem, PF (16 Years Pro)
NBA Zaza Pachulia, C (15 Years Pro)
NBA Jose Calderon, PG (13 Years Pro)
NBA Nick Young, SF (11 Years Pro)

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NBA News

Hawks Win Lottery, Bulls Jump to #2
The Atlanta Hawks finished the 2019-20 season with the worst record in the NBA. A young team was hoping to add another superstar to go along with rising star Trae Young. Young represented the Hawks at the Draft Lottery, a process that came down to three Eastern Conference teams.

Surprisingly, Phoenix fell out of the top three, jumped by the Bulls while the Suns fell to the fourth pick. The Bulls would also jump the Knicks - taking the second pick in the draft.

Here are the results of the NBA Draft Lottery:
1. Atlanta Hawks
2. Chicago Bulls
3. New York Knicks
4. Phoenix Suns
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
6. Washington Wizards
7. San Antonio Spurs
8. New Orleans Pelicans
9. Memphis Grizzlies (pick owed to Boston Celtics)
10. Charlotte Hornets
11. Orlando Magic
12. Minnesota Timberwolves
13. Golden State Warriors
14. Sacramento Kings

The 2020 NBA Draft is scheduled for Thursday, June 25th.

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New York Daily News

Knicks Focused on Coaching Search, Filling Front Office | June 20, 2020
New General Manager Troy Weaver has not had much time to get comfortable in his new position with the Knicks. He was hired less than three weeks before the NBA Draft, with the team not having a Head Coach in place.

Initially, Weaver and Team President Arn Tellem put together a list of coaching candidates with five that have been reported as already interviewed for the position. Those candidates include: Tony Bennett, Head Coach at Virginia; Maurice Cheeks, former NBA Head Coach and current Thunder Assistant Coach; Mark Jackson, former Head Coach at Golden State and current NBA television analyst; Alex Jensen, Utah Jazz Assistant Coach; and Jay Wright, Head Coach at Villanova.

The process started with a surprise when it was reported that Patrick Ewing and Jason Kidd both denied opportunities to interview. Since interviewing, Tony Bennett has also announced he is returning to coach Virginia next season.

The list shows that the Knicks are willing to find the best coach, no matter their background. They would prefer someone with NBA experience, with many NBA insiders assuming that Mark Jackson is the leading candidate.

Helping to aid in the search is Knicks Assistant General Manager Allan Houston. Houston has been retained by Weaver, who had been working as the General Manager of the Knicks G-League Affiliate. Now, Houston will focus on the NBA as an Assistant General Manager.

As Tellem and Weaver begin to construct the front office, they're taking into account new roles and titles. So far, they've announced the hiring of Will Dawkins as Assistant General Manager. Dawkins comes to New York from Oklahoma City, having worked closely with Weaver over the last decade.

Will Dawkins worked as the Thunder's Vice President of 'Identification & Intelligence' - a role that had him overseeing the professional and amateur evaluation departments both domestically and internationally. He came up in the Thunder organization as a scout, primarily focusing on the college game.

The Knicks will have two Assistant GMs, assisting in the day-to-day operations and roster management. The organization has yet to announce how they'll fill the rest of the front office. For now, it seems they've found the brain trust that will lead the draft process.

Getting a late start in the process, Tellem and Weaver have said they would like a Head Coach brought in before the draft. That leaves just five days for them to finalize their search and offer the job. Then, the attention will turn to the draft; where the team will draft third for the second straight year.