The New York Knicks are fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Although they ultimately lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games, this appearance was the organization’s deepest playoff run in the 21st century. In fact, the Knicks’ three straight postseason appearances matches their longest streak in that span as well.
All this is to say that despite the best success the Knicks have seen in years, that didn’t stop owner James Dolan from firing head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday morning in a shocking move that left the NBA world mouths agape.
The news is especially shocking considering Thibodeau signed a three-year extension with the team just last summer.
It’s clear that Dolan is not afraid of ruffling a few feathers in pursuit of bringing the Knicks a championship. He’s been a busy man in recent years, making waves on the roster by bringing in big names such as Karl-Anthony Towns. However, could this decision to remove one of the team’s most successful coaches in recent memory destroy their chances moving forward?
Here’s everything to know about James Dolan:
Who is James Dolan?
Dolan is officially listed as the executive chairman and chief executive officer of Madison Square Garden Sports and Madison Square Garden Entertainment. He is the owner of both the New York Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers. He formerly owned the WNBA’s New York Liberty, although he sold the team to Joseph Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai in 2019.
He is one of six children of Cablevision founder Charles Dolan and is the nephew of the late Cleveland Guardians owner Larry Dolan.
James Dolan’s early business career
Dolan was named CEO of Cablevision in 1995. Dolan established himself as a worthwhile businessman throughout his time with the company, but most notably in opposition to his father’s proposed Voom satellite service.
Dolan was given increased responsibility in managing Cablevision’s sports properties in 1999, thus paving the way for him to be primary owner later in life.
James Dolan’s music career
Dolan was originally pursuing a career in music before swapping to communications when that didn’t work out. Despite the lack of success in his early life, he remains an avid musician, working as the singer for the rock band JD & the Straight Shot.
Their most recent album, ‘The Great Divide,’ was released in 2019.
James Dolan’s personal life
Dolan has been married twice and has six sons. He married his second wife, Kristin, in 2002. She was named CEO of AMC Networks in 2023.
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