The expectations for the 2022-23 Knicks are clear: a playoff berth.
That comes from Knicks governor James Dolanwho spoke about the Knicks during a wide-ranging interview Friday on WFAN’s Carton & Roberts Show.
“I think our expectations should be that the team makes the playoffs,” Dolan said.
When asked if a first-round playoff exit would meet expectations, the owner said, “It’s really about did they get better. Did we build enough this season that in the offseason we can make a move or two and get even better, get even closer?”
The Knicks entered the weekend four games over .500 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. If the season ended today, they’d be in the play-in tournament.
Dolan was asked if the team president Leon Rose is doing a good job at the moment.
“Yes, absolutely,” he said. “Why did I bring Leon in?” I’ve been doing this for 20-something years now. In my experience with the NBA, there are things you can do as an owner. You can create an environment where everybody’s – give them enough money to do their job. Give them more money than they need to do their job (laughs). You can stay out of the way, which is usually the best course of action.
“But you do end up picking the one guy who’s going to make all the strategy. Who’s going to execute for you. I picked Leon because I believe [if] you look at the NBA and the game that we play, I believe that the team with the best talent wins. Then you want a guy who can get you the best talent. And I believe that Leon Rose is still the best guy.”
That affirms the idea that Rose and his group were brought in to acquire star talent. They acquired Jalen Brunson as a free agent in the offseason. Brunson has, objectively, helped push the club in the right direction. But it’s fair to assume that Dolan wants Rose to acquire more high-end talent during his tenure.
Dolan was asked in the WFAN interview if there is any timetable for Rose to deliver a top player to the Knicks.
“No, I would say less of a timetable [now]. Although, eventually, there’s a timetable,” he said. “But right now, what we’re looking for is progress. We want to build into a championship team. We fully expect to make the playoffs this year. That will definitely be a benchmark. Look, this is sports. If Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle get hurt, it’s probably going to be tough. Mitchell [Robinson] is going to be out for a little while.”
Dolan added that he has no plans to sell the Knicks or retire as team owner in the near future. Once he steps down, the team will remain under the control of his family.
“Someone in the family will eventually own it,” he said.