NEW YORK (AP) - Scott Perry is with his third NBA franchise in three months, and is inheriting a massive challenge in New York.
Perry’s hiring as the Knicks’ general manager was announced Friday, along with Steve Mills’ promotion to another stint as president of the team. It’s all part of the upheaval for the Knicks created by the departure of former president Phil Jackson after three miserable seasons, and completes a whirlwind three months for Perry.
He was fired from his assistant GM role by Orlando in April, then hired as executive vice president in Sacramento, and now is off to New York. The Knicks technically traded for Perry, sending the Kings a future second-round pick and cash considerations.
“I will work tirelessly to develop a culture that demands results, commitment and pride from everyone fortunate enough to be associated with our team - from our staff to our players,” Perry said in a statement released by the Knicks. “Nothing comes close to Madison Square Garden for basketball and it is our right and responsibility to showcase that tradition of excellence, day and night. I can’t wait to get started.”
It has been far from a showcase of excellence at MSG for many years.
The Knicks were 80-166 in Jackson’s three seasons, the fifth-worst record in the NBA over that span. And the Knicks have won only one playoff series since going to the Eastern Conference finals in 2000.
There’s also a chance that the roster could see a major change before this fall, with speculation continuing that New York could trade Carmelo Anthony to Houston - if the sides can agree, and if Anthony agrees to waive his no-trade clause.
“We have several rising young stars in the organization and we expect to add more young talent to this core,” Mills said, in what could certainly be construed as a sign that a trade is coming. “Our message to our fans is clear: we will be disciplined in sticking to this strategy, hold our players and staff accountable to the high standards that we have set for ourselves, and deliver results.”
Perry, Mills and Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek will “discuss the team’s strategy moving forward” at a Monday news conference, the Knicks said.
Mills returns to the role he held briefly before Jackson was hired in March 2014 and Mills was made general manager.
“Today marks a culture change for our organization where we re-establish the pride, work ethic and responsibility that comes with playing for the Knicks and representing New York,” owner James Dolan said in statement. “I’m confident that Steve is the right person to take on this role, and ensure that we return to one of the elite teams of the NBA.”
Perry has spent the last 17 seasons in the NBA. Before his stints in Sacramento and Orlando, he was with the Detroit Pistons for 12 seasons as vice president of basketball operations, director of player personnel and a collegiate scout.
He also served as the Seattle SuperSonics assistant general manager in the 2007-08 season, when the franchise drafted Kevin Durant.
Perry said moving to New York to both work for the Knicks - and be closer to his daughter, who lives in New York - was a chance “I could not pass up.”
“We thank Scott for his time with the Kings and wish him the best of luck in his promotion to General Manager of the New York Knicks,” Sacramento general manager Vlade Divac said. “The Kings are on a bright path ahead and I am very confident in the future of our hard-working, talented team.”
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AP Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds in Miami contributed to this report.
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