With James Dolan in the news again -- this time for banning a fan who implored him to sell the Knicks -- Marc Berman of the New York Post wrote a piece detailing how the owener's reputation damages the organization's standing around the league.
And his most damning evidence revolves around the Knicks coaching search in 2014, when the team hired Derek Fisher after being connected to Warriors coach Steve Kerr. From Berman:
According to multiple sources, Dolan's reputation may have cost them Steve Kerr as head coach. Kerr's kinder feelings toward Warriors ownership contributed to his reneging on a verbal offer from Phil Jackson. During the Knicks' courting process, Kerr called a handful of Knicks reporters to seek their opinions of Dolan's influence.
Kerr has obviously gone on to experience tremendous success, leading the Warriors to three championships in four seasons.
While Dolan may not have been the whole reason Kerr picked Golden State over the bright lights of New York, it appears he was at least a factor. And with the Knicks entering a pivotal summer regarding free agency, the franchise will have to convey an image that demonstrates starts can thrive and, most importantly, win under Dolan.
Reports popped up after the All-Star break that Dolan had expressed interest in selling the team, although the Garden has flatly denied the rumors.