Knicks President Leon Rose "broke his silence on the team's network and provided small hints of his vision for the franchise's direction, the upcoming draft and coaching search," with the most pressing matter being "finding a new coach," according to Stefan Bondy of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Rose has pushed the premise that he "can turn the Knicks into a desirable destination for superstar free agents." Given his connections throughout the league -- along with connections from his new Exec VP & Senior Advisor William "World Wide Wes" Wesley -- Rose is "probably starting in a better position to make that happen." Rose said, "What we have to create is an environment where players want to come here. ... And making sure every aspect of that is player-friendly and first class. We're going to work as hard as we can [to convey] that this is the place you want to be at." Rose addressed the fans and said, "No one deserves a winner more than Knicks fans. I know it's been tough but my pledge is we are going to work tirelessly. ... We are going to build this the right way to bring you a winner" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/25).
OFF THE COURT: In N.Y., Greg Joyce notes besides the pandemic, social unrest regarding systemic racism also has "overtaken the country since the Knicks last played." Rose said that he and Knicks GM Scott Perry have "stayed in touch with players and 'we support them in any platforms they want to participate in.'" Rose: "We here at the Knicks and MSG condemn racism, won't tolerate it" (N.Y. POST, 6/25).
UPHILL BATTLE: In New Jersey, Chris Iseman notes Knicks fans last night "finally got the chance to hear from Leon Rose during an interview with MSG's Mike Breen." It has been a "strange start to Rose's tenure." About two weeks after he took over the Knicks, the NBA season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, which stripped Rose of "valuable time to evaluate players and gain information about the organization." Meanwhile, Iseman writes getting top free agents in recent years "has not been easy" or "even possible" for the Knicks. But Rose and Wesley are "well-connected and have strong relationships." Iseman: "Maybe this will be the front office to finally, and actually, change the perception" (Bergen RECORD, 6/25).
