Truth & Rumors > NBA

How the Knicks missed out on Skiles

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According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Donnie Walsh dialed up Scott Skiles literally minutes after completing the conference call with reporters about Isiah Thomas on April 18. Walsh, who knew the Bucks were hot after Skiles, offered to fly to Skiles' home in Bloomington, Ind., to discuss the Knicks' job. Skiles told Walsh that a personal visit was "not necessary," which, according to a person close to Skiles, was to suggest the two knew each other well enough to know if he was the right fit. Walsh said he would call back that night but never did and Skiles got a call from Bucks GM John Hammond with an offer. Skiles took it and Walsh lost his opportunity at hiring an experienced coach.

New York Newsday

Scott Skiles, AP Scott Skiles, AP
April 30, 2008  10:03 AM ET

Just another lost New York minute!

April 30, 2008  10:04 AM ET

I probably would've preferred a firey personality like him to Mark Jackson....but "missing out" ? Come on- he's not Phil Jackson

April 30, 2008  10:28 AM ET

Thank you, Jesus!!!!

April 30, 2008  10:45 AM ET

Missing out...Why would Skiles be the top of anyone list anyway. He has had tons of talent and what has he won. Another coach that is good for a couple of years, but his personaility sooner or later wears out his welcome.

April 30, 2008  11:29 AM ET

WHO CARES HE SUCKS ANYWAY

April 30, 2008  12:19 PM ET

Who cares - he was horrible in Chicago and the Knicks are a debacle.

April 30, 2008  12:50 PM ET

It doesn't matter. Until the Knicks address their personnel issues, a coaching job in New York is a guaranteed failure. Skiles is much better off.

April 30, 2008  12:51 PM ET

I would say that the only team that lost out with Skiles is the Bucks.

April 30, 2008  01:06 PM ET

Skiles is a good coach. he expects and demands 100% effort from his players. There is nothing wrong with that. The only reason he isn't among the upper echelon of coaches, is because he's never had the personnel.

April 30, 2008  01:49 PM ET

I am referring to Skile's propensity to verbally berate players and take media cheap shots at his players. His interpersonal skills are lack luster. Very few grown men are going to put up with his attitude for a long period.

For example, one time he was asked about what a player (can't remeber which one) needed to do to rebound better. Skiles responded with "jump". Sure that is funny, but it is a clear putdown to the player. It gets old really fast to the players especially with veterans. He and the Nicks, with their ego sensitive players, would be disaster.

He will also wear out his welcome with the Bucks within two, three at the most, years.

April 30, 2008  02:07 PM ET

This is a very good thing. Donnie Walsh didn't call back and he knew the Bucks were also trying to sign Scott.....Humm, hint, hint, MAYBE they didn't want him. So things many be turning around for the Knicks after all.

April 30, 2008  02:29 PM ET

For example, one time he was asked about what a player (can't remeber which one) needed to do to rebound better. Skiles responded with "jump". Sure that is funny, but it is a clear putdown to the player. It gets old really fast to the players especially with veterans. He and the Nicks, with their ego sensitive players, would be disaster.

Crepes

The player you mention was Eddy Curry, and Skiles was dead on point. Curry is 7' and averages about 5 rebounds a game. He's in New York now, overweight, out of shape, and couldn't get a board in a lumber yard. Skiles simply wants to win. The only players that have a problem with that are the ones that don't want to work.

April 30, 2008  02:55 PM ET

"Skiles simply wants to win. The only players that have a problem with that are the ones that don't want to work. "

right on point-

an example: Iverson HATED Larry Brown- until he finally realized that all of Browns 'berating', made him a better player. Now- he's on record as saying he was the best coach he ever played for

Comment has been removed
April 30, 2008  04:12 PM ET

i rather have an experienced pro with a winning track record like skiles than someone like jackson without any coaching exp. at any level. this is too big a job for a newbie. now i see mike d of phoenix is available - he would be great, knows what he's doing and believes in a running, exciting offense.

April 30, 2008  04:42 PM ET

What a wasted story. How about who the Kninks might be looking at for the draft

April 30, 2008  04:53 PM ET

Avery Johnson is available http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ak8o5Cx.o39XI_5aOe6848k5nYcB?slug=ap -mavericks-johnsonfired&prov=ap&type=lgns

April 30, 2008  06:47 PM ET

Too funny, an article stating that the Knicks missed out on Skiles is like saying the Patriots missed out on signing Ryan Leaf. SS is over-rated and a nervous nelly, sheesh - let him muddle his way through the Bucks - i give 'em 2 1/2 years before they yank the plug on him.

April 30, 2008  09:15 PM ET

Would anyone want to coach the Knicks?

 
May 1, 2008  09:09 AM ET

It's OK. Skiles isn't high on the list, I hope. I think they should go after a proven winner like Avery Johnson or Mike D'Antoni.

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