The Knicks may be seen as one of the most hated and poorest franchises in the NBA right now, but they are also becoming one of the most diverse front offices in the league.
Their new team President Steve Mills is African-American. Newly-hired general manager Scott Perry is African-American and Gerald Madkins, one of Isiah Thomas former top aides, is returning to the Knicks to serve as Scott Perrys assistant general manager, according to several reports.
Madkins, Perrys first official hire since being named Knicks GM last week, served in a similar role with the Los Angeles Clippers the past two seasons. Madkins, 48, also served as director of basketball operations and director of scouting.
The former UCLA guard and NBA player whose business and basketball acumen was held in high esteem during his first stint with the Knicks, which began back in 2003. His claim to fame is advising Isiah Thomas to draft Trevor Ariza, who turned out to be a solid NBA player and NBA champion with the Lakers, in the second round.
Rookie Trevor Ariza Dunks, Hits Jumper and Ties Up Kobe Bryant (2005)
19-year-old New York Knicks rookie Trevor Ariza finishes off three straight possessions to give his team a boost. February 28, 2005.
Before joining the Clippers, Madkins held scouting positions with the SuperSonics and Rockets and was VP of player personnel for the Hornets.
With the departure of Phil Jackson, this new Knicks regime is building from the ground up with a band of brothers.
