Knicks owner James Dolan backs Leon Rose as the ‘best guy’ to be team president

New York Knicks owner James Dolan has publicly endorsed team president Leon Rose as the “best man” for the job, also saying he “fully expects” the team to make the playoffs this season.

Dolan was making a rare radio appearance in WFAN’s ‘Carton and Roberts’ when asked if he’s happy with the work Rose is doing, to which he replied: ‘Yes, absolutely.’

He said: ‘I chose Leon because I think after looking at the NBA and the game we play, the team with the best talent wins.

Knicks owner James Dolan has endorsed Leon Rose as the “best man” to be team president.

Rose (center) has been in residence as team president since 2020 and helped rebuild the team to make it relevant

‘You want a guy who can get you the best talent. I think Leon Rose is still the best guy.’

Rose will look to snap the team’s playoff series losing streak during his time with the franchise.

‘Eventually, there is a schedule. But, right now, what we are looking for is progress. We want to build a champion team. We hope to make the playoffs this year. That will definitely be a benchmark,” Dolan continued.

‘Now, this is sports. What if Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle are injured? [Making the playoffs is] it’s probably going to be tough.

Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle have been stellar players this season to lead the Knicks.

Randle and Brunson have been by far the best players on the Knicks, though the team only acquired Brunson under Rose’s tenure as president.

Randle was acquired under the leadership of Rose’s predecessor, Steve Mills, from whom the organization parted ways in 2020.

This season Randle averaged 24.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and four assists, while Brunson averaged 22.4 points and 6.3 assists.

Dolan was also asked about a major player acquisition that didn’t happen last summer with Rose. Donovan Mitchell was eventually traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Years ago, Dolan got involved and lobbied his front office to acquire Carmelo Anthony through a trade.

‘My attitude has changed. Every new owner comes in thinking that he has the answer on how to make the team successful,” Dolan said.

‘Not to disparage my fellow owners, but there are franchises with owners in recent years, you can see new owners come in and spend a lot of money, etc., and they’re not doing as well as they thought. ‘

Donovan Mitchell was involved in a mega deal with the Knicks before being traded to Cleveland

Years ago, Dolan got involved and pushed his front office to acquire Carmelo Anthony in a trade.