Why is Walsh considering keeping Thomas?

Even Zeke knows he's to blame for the Knicks' current state of affairs

New team president of the New York Knicks, Donnie Walsh, is stated to be considering retaining Isiah Thomas for the 2008-09 season. Walsh has yet to meet with Isiah Thomas, and does have a few tough questions for the former Pistons great. The list is said to include what caused the feud with Stephon Marbury and also his disagreement with Eddy Curry that resulted in Curry's benching. Zeke also got into it with star center Zach Randolph and Quentin Richardson. All of those situations are on top of the 23-56 record, which ranks 5th worst in the NBA.

For those who may be thinking that Thomas is a victim of circumstance, and he simply has a difficult group of players whose personalities make it tough to win, there is one simple truth; Isiah Thomas is responsible for bringing in EVERY player currently on the New York Knicks. Essentially, Thomas dug his own grave by bringing in players with questionable character such as Marbury and Zach Randolph (has any former Trailblazer turned out well?).

The New York Knicks are now on their way to their worst season ever and it is up to newly hired Knicks President Donnie Walsh to determine Thomas' future. Perhaps the only thing more amazing than Zeke's ability to retain his job this long, is the fact that Walsh has not called for his resignation effective season end already.

In all professional sports managers and coaches are rated on results, fairly or unfairly. There are some markets where this is particularly true, none more so than New York. Joe Torre was effectively run out of the Big Apple despite several World Series rings and playoff appearances. Thomas has taken the once proud Knicks franchise, which wasn't in great shape when he inherited to be fair, and has further run it into the ground.

If Thomas were a model citizen (see sexual harassment claim) or loved by his team (see any NY Knicks player) there may be a legitimate case for him to retain his job. However, the clear facts are that Isiah Thomas is a horrible coach and a deplorable general manager and team president. If Donnie Walsh wants to get off to a good start, and build a lasting future, he needs to be decisive with his first move and find the best replacement on the market.

Anyone in New York hoping for a Pat Riley return?