New Knicks president Rose asks fans for patience
Stephen A. Smith passionately proclaims that he is placing his faith in new president Leon Rose to turn the Knicks around. (1:32)
The New York Knicks have officially named former player agent Leon Rose as their new president.
Terms of Rose’s deal were not disclosed. The Knicks announced that Rose, formerly the co-head of CAA’s basketball division, will “oversee all basketball operations and personnel for the team.”
In a letter to the team’s fans, Rose said he will support interim coach Mike Miller and his staff.
“I want to thank Mike for his continued leadership and professionalism during this period,” he wrote.
While noting that the Knicks have young talent, Rose wrote that “nothing about this is easy, or quick, so I ask for your continued patience.”
A message to our fans from Team President Leon Rose (1/3): pic.twitter.com/qc5Vh0cz0g
(3/3) pic.twitter.com/h3M2oj6TKT
Rose has been one of the top agents in basketball for decades, with clients including Joel Embiid, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, Carmelo Anthony and Kyle Kuzma. Previous Rose clients included LeBron James and Allen Iverson.
“We are pleased to welcome Leon to the New York Knicks as team president, and believe he is the right leader to build a winning organization for our fans,” Knicks owner James Dolan said in a statement. “Leon is one of the most respected executives in professional basketball, with decades of experience successfully working with NBA players and team management in all facets of the game. We are confident he brings the right combination of expertise and relationships to ensure the long-term success of our franchise.”
The Knicks are 18-42 this season, the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference and fourth worst overall. The Knicks fired coach David Fizdale in December after starting 4-18. Fizdale was 21-83 in less than two seasons as coach.
New York has clinched its seventh consecutive season with a losing record. The last time the Knicks made the postseason was the 2012-13 season.