New York Knicks Interested in John Calipari?

According to the NY Post‘s sources (and some guessing on Peter Vecsey’s part), Knicks ownership may have its eye on the Kentucky coach: “Instead of showering [Donnie] Walsh with love, [James] Dolan has doused him with disrespect … regardless of how things turn out in the end. Should the Knicks make a second-round indentation or beyond it’d be next to impossible, even for someone as arrogant and obdurate as Dolan, not to allow Walsh to finish what he started three seasons ago. Yet, at this point in time, the smart money is betting parting gifts already have been picked out that will compensate Walsh suitably for having his authority usurped on a regular basis, enduring the indignity of almost being force-fed Isiah Thomas as general manager, and theoretically keeping his lips sealed for x-amount of years. It’s time to go to your pocket or purse and start fingering your rosary beads to help Walsh pray a valuable package is looming. Because, really, if not for the millions, who needs to have [Isiah] Thomas lurking in every Garden cubbyhole, nook and cranny? Then again, when the obvious becomes obvious to one and all, it’s often wise to go the other way to see if there’s someone significantly obscure (or not) hiding in the suns’ glare. Thomas might want to down a Lunesta before reading further. Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, too. According to a team executive, who knows a thing or two about a thing or two regarding goings-on behind the screens, Dolan may have eyes for John Calipari … to run the front office and coach. Do I have confirmation on this? No. I unsuccessfully reached out to Calipari and left a message. Does it make sense? Yes, especially in view of Dolan’s disinclination to do right by Walsh. We’re talking about a marquee college coach fresh from another Final Four, who owns pro experience (some of it good with the Nets), is an outstanding recruiter (though the NBA’s salary cap may limit that impact), and relates remarkably well with young black players. What’s more, 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. Wesley also reps Mark Warkentien, current part-time Knicks scout and former Nuggets’ vice president; it’s felt he’d caddy for Cal in the office.”