In N.Y., Marc Berman compares the Knicks' coaching search under President Steve Mills and GM Scott Perry to that of former President Phil Jackson, noting Mills and Perry have conducted an "exhaustive" search. The duo has interviewed 10 coaching candidates now, with Spurs assistant James Borrego and Heat assistant Juwan Howard "capping it off over the weekend." Mills and Perry "don’t pretend to know everything." Their search has become a "leave-no-stone-unturned process" (N.Y. POST, 4/30).
ALL APOLOGIES: In DC, Thom Loverro notes Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis following their first-round exit at the hands of the Raptors let the team's fans "know that he feels their pain in a 'note to DC family.'" Leonsis wrote, "Our singular goal in everything we do is to win a championship. You deserve it. Our city deserves it. It remains our first and only priority and I think our team showed this year that we have the pieces to make it happen." The Wizards continue to "wallow in the pool of mediocrity that has pretty much defined the franchise now for nearly 50 years." A few playoff appearances and 45-win seasons "aren’t going to cut it." Loverro: "Didn’t you hear the boos at the arena at the end of Game 6 Friday night?" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 4/30).
JOB WELL DONE: In Calgary, Eric Francis writes it is "important for Calgarians to know the breadth" of what Flames President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke "brought to town" before stepping down. What Burke did behind the scenes "should be applauded by all." The team "only made the playoffs twice under Burke and took a step backwards this year." However, the number of "core pieces in place," combined with a "growing number of solid prospects, should have the team in the NHL playoff mix for the foreseeable future." His impact on the charitable sector, while "less visible perhaps, has had a large impact on fundraisers, causes and dollars raised around town and the province" (CALGARY SUN, 4/30).
