Despite Monday's defiant remarks that he has no plans to leave the Knick bench, Isiah Thomas actually vented in a conversation to a friend a day later that he is indeed considering stepping away from coaching to concentrate on the team presidency, according to a source.
In the conversation following Tuesday's win in Chicago, Thomas complained the club's biggest problem is that several players enter games thinking the team will lose.
According to the source, Thomas vented that he has never been a quitter - but that he is close to the breaking point.
If a coaching-only change is made, it ultimately is owner James Dolan's decision, not Thomas'.
Dolan might be reluctant to hire a new coach midseason or pay Herb Williams or Mark Aguirre for a promotion to interim coach, unless Thomas begs.
The other scenario is if Thomas leaves the bench, he leaves the organization.
The Post reported in late November that Warrior GM Chris Mullin was asked informally during Golden State's visit to the Garden about potential interest. Raptor GM Bryant Colangelo, in the house last night, would be much-sought, as would his father, Team USA president Jerry Colangelo.
It's unclear if Dolan and Thomas have discussed Thomas leaving the bench for the front office.
In Thomas' conversation with his friend, according to the source, Thomas named only three players whom he likes - David Lee, Nate Robinson and Jamal Crawford.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/01122008/sports/knicks/isiah_ready_to_bolt_bench__678952.htm
