With the message “nothing about this is easy,” the Leon Rose Era has officially begun.
Rose took the dive from super-agent to Knicks team president when the club finally announced his hiring Monday morning.
Rose won’t hold a press conference Monday before the Knicks-Rockets game at the Garden as he wants to ease into the new job in which the franchise is amid a mammoth rebuilding program. Rose will be in attendance – as he was so many times before as an agent for Creative Artists Agency.
In a letter to fans, Rose called this “a pivotal time in Knicks history,” said he will “support” interim coach Mike Miller for the rest of the season and said the roster has “significant future assets.”
Rose added why he feels he can be effective coming from a different role in the NBA.
“Having been fortunate enough to be part of professional basketball for more than 25 years, I have had the privilege of helping to shape the careers of many incredible athletes throughout those decades, collaborating with key decision makers and personnel within the basketball universe,” Rose wrote. “In my career as an agent, I experienced the intricacies of the League, player recruitment and most importantly, how to develop relationships, unity and team cohesiveness.
“To be successful in the NBA, you need the best talent, a tireless work ethic, a winning culture and a total commitment to the development of both the individual and the team. I know that the ability to forge solid, productive relationships is what binds all that together.”
Rose made no indication changes are going to be made imminently in the front office or on the coaching staff.
“For the remainder of this season, I will work tirelessly behind the scenes while evaluating every aspect of the organization,” Rose wrote. “Most immediately, we will support Mike Miller, his staff and our team, who have plenty of basketball left to be played this season. I want to thank Mike for his continued leadership and professionalism during this period.”
“Nothing about this is easy or quick so I ask for your continued patience,” Rose added. “What I promise you in return is I will be honest and forthright. We will develop a plan that makes sense both to jumpstart our short-term growth and ensure our long-term success.
“While I realize there have been difficulties on the court, what has been remarkable to me is your pride remains so strong, your loyalty undiminished.”
Rose’s letter seemed in stark contrast with branding manager Steve Stoute’s comments recently about how the club will bring in an new coaching staff next season to develop the young roster.
“Our team has young talent, significant future assets (including seven first round picks over the next four years) and an ample amount of financial flexibility in the coming years,’’ Rose wrote. “Everyone – from ownership to athletes, to staff and especially our fans – wants this team to be a winner. We will have all the resources necessary to create a great organization – one that supports our efforts to build a winning culture and gives Knicks fans, and the city of New York, the team you deserve.”
Rose verbally accepted the job Feb. 6 but needed to clean up loose ends at CAA. He was the agent of Carmelo Anthony, Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, Joel Embiid and Chris Paul.
“We are pleased to welcome Leon to the New York Knicks as team president, and believe he is the right leader to build a winning organization for our fans,” Knicks owner James Dolan said in the press release. “Leon is one of the most respected executives in professional basketball, with decades of experience successfully working with NBA players and team management in all facets of the game. We are confident he brings the right combination of expertise and relationships to ensure the long-term success of our franchise.”
The Cherry Hill, N.J. native will take over for Steve Mills, who was fired nearly a month ago.