HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

Calipari to Take Bite Out of Big Apple?

All of the Knicks fans who live in constant fear of Isiah Thomas’ return were given something else to worry about Friday. The New York Post‘s Peter Vecsey wrote that Kentucky coach John Calipari, who is represented by William Wesley of Creative Artists Agency, is being considered as a coach and president of the New York Knicks. CAA same agency represents Carmelo Anthony, so it’s not a stretch to think that Calipari could have his foot in the door.

What is surprising are the roles he would fill with the team—Coach and President of Basketball Operations. That implies that Mike D’Antoni and Donnie Walsh, who is still waiting to see if the Knicks pick up his option, would be out of midtown at seasons end.

“According to a team executive, who knows a thing or two about a thing or two regarding goings-on behind the screens, believes [Knicks owner James] Dolan may have eyes for John Calipari….to run the front office and coach,” Vecsey wrote. “Do I have confirmation on this? No. I unsuccessfully reached out to Calipari and left a message why I was calling. Does it make sense? Yes, especially in view of Dolan’s disinclination to do right by Walsh.”

Vecsey points to are the fact that Knicks scout Mark Warktentien and 2012 free agent Chris Paul are both CAA clients as his primary supporting evidence.

“What’s more,” Vecsey continues, “Calipari is represented by William [World Wide] Wesley who works for Creative Artists Agency, Hollywood’s most powerful entertainment agency. One of its many patrons is Chris Paul, who figures to be on the market within a matter of months. Wes also reps Mark Warkentien, current part-time Knicks scout and former Nuggets’ VP; it’s felt he’d caddy for Cal in the office.”

Take what you want from Vecsey’s report. He’s been right and wrong before, but that’s not the point. The bigger issue is that Calipari has a bad track record in the NBA.  He’s taken three schools to the NCAA Tournament Finals—which is a great accomplishment—but he was 72-112 in three seasons with the Nets, making only one playoff appearance.

And these teams weren’t terrible. He coached Kerry Kuttles, Jim Jackson, Sam Cassell, Jayson Williams, Robert Pack, Stephon Marbury, Keith Van Horn and Rony Seikly—not exactly the dregs of the NBA.

Coaching a college team is hard enough (Isiah Thomas can tell you that), and if Calipari never returns to the NBA, he’ll still be remembered as a great leader. So why bother trying to capture NBA glory in New York—a place that’s just as likely to canonize you or crucify you.

Pistons Sold

California billionaire Tom Gores has agreed to buy the Detroit Pistons and The Palace of Auburn Hills from Karen Davidson, the Associated Press is reporting.

"We are pleased to welcome Tom Gores as the new owner of the Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment," Davidson said in a statement. "Just as my late husband, Bill Davidson, was the face of the Pistons, I am confident that Tom will bring the same energy, dedication and love to this organization. I look forward to seeing Tom follow in Bill’s footsteps, and carry on his legacy."

Gores is the founder of Platinum Equity and currently ranks as the 153rd richest person in the world, by Forbes Magazine, with a net worth of $2.4 billion.

"I am very proud to have this opportunity to be part of such a tremendous organization," Gores said. "I know it’s been a long process, and I appreciate the patience and support of the Detroit community. I have been impressed with the Davidson family and the way it has protected and built such a storied franchise.

"I grew up here,” he continued. “I am glad to be back and I am very excited about all the possibilities looking forward."

There was some talk that Tigers and Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch would buy the team, but that ultimately fell through.

{AUTHOR_BOX}Seniors Missed Opportunity at P.I.T.

We’ve all heard Landry Fields’ story.

The Knicks rookie was way outside of the first-round picture prior to last year’s NBA Draft. Teams didn’t know who he was or what he could offer a pro team, that is, until he started doing the little things at the Portsmouth Invitational.

“Landry Fields didn’t make the all-tournament team,” director of NBA scouting Ryan Blake told HOOPSWORLD. “He just showed exactly what he does now starting for the New York Knicks.”

Fields used the Portsmouth Invitational, a 58-year-old event featuring the nation’s collegiate seniors, to catapult himself into the first round. He didn’t take over on offense. He wasn’t grabbing steals on defense. But by showing scouts his ability to do small things, like hold his defensive assignment or make a smart pass, he proved that he could contribute at the NBA level.

There’s no doubt that his performance at the invitational put significantly more money in his pocket, but Fields’ story wasn’t enough to motivate some seniors to attend this year’s event.

“It was a head shaker when we had 25 people pull out,” Blake said. “When you have someone pulls out that’s not a first-round player, that’s just hideous. This is what it is. It’s a senior event. It’s a chance to show the teams you want to play in this setting.

“If it’s [Duke's] Kyle Singler and Nolan smith, okay, I know they’re not going, but there are very few others that,” Blake continued. “Former NBA players, Doug Christie, Anthony Johnson, invaluable teaching and tips. I’m not mad at the players that chose not to come. I feel bad. Do we know that the teams are going to spend the money on the individual workouts if there’s a lockout? We’re not going to have a summer league if there’s a lockout. That’s a lost opportunity.”

Some players believe that by skipping the P.I.T. altogether, they’re posturing themselves for an invitation to Chicago’s pre-draft camp, but that’s not a guarantee.

“This could be the last time that these kids will play five on five unless they change the rules here quick,” Blake said. “Why wait? If you’re a player, players play. Don’t posture.

"Do you want to be a first-round guy?” he continued. “What are you going to do to get there? For guaranteed money? Second round means fighting free agents, guys coming off international contracts, and fighting for very few spots. You have to do everything you can to get into the first round. You think you’re going to get into Chicago? This is your gift.”

The biggest absentees were Notre Dame’s Ben Hansbrough, St. John’s D.J. Kennedy, Georgetown’s Chris Wright and Baylor’s Lacedarius Dunn.

The event runs through Sunday. Check out HOOPSWORLD’s coverage of the event right here.

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