Isiah Thomas did not get into the details of meeting with Knicks owner James Dolan in a FOXSports.com podcast, but did discuss his interest in landing a job as an analyst at ESPN. Read more after the jump.
“I’ve auditioned for the job, if they pick me that would be great,” Thomas said. “I would love to be a part of the show and give my thoughts and opinions on championship basketball and NBA basketball and life in general in the NBA.”
Thomas said his “preference” would be to land that job, as opposed to return to the Knicks organization. Dolan requested a lunch with the team’s former president and coach in early September, which set off speculation of a return to the organization. It would be a widely unpopular move considering Thomas’ failures with the organization, but nothing appears to be imminent.
“Jim Dolan and I had lunch as we often do, and we are very good friends, and we talk from time to time,” Thomas said. “I have great relationships with the organization, so I guess there was some speculation as there’s always been about me going back there. And that’s where it’s at.”
Dolan hired Thomas as a part-time consultant two years ago when he was coaching Florida International before commissioner David Stern blocked the move, citing a conflict of interest. But Thomas was fired by the Miami-based school after three disappointing seasons.
But the conversation with FOX Sports columnist Jason Whitlock centered mainly around his reaction to ESPN’s new 30-for-30 documentary “Broke” and a possible role with the sports network, which was first reported by The Post. Thomas could potentially join the “NBA Countdown” show where he could spar with former rival Magic Johnson and columnist Bill Simmons, who ripped Thomas for years for his failures as an executive. Simmons is also rumored to be joining the show for the first time this upcoming season.
“Magic and I always debated basketball, had different opinions about basketball, the way we look at the league and the way I look at the league has been totally different,” Thomas said. “He comes at it from a point where he joins a great team and a great organization and we had to work our way up from the bottom.”
