NBA

Conflicts keep Isiah from Knicks job

Isiah Thomas’ official role as a part-time consultant for the Knicks lasted less than a week.

Saving Jim Dolan from himself, the NBA on Wednesday ruled Thomas can’t serve both as head coach at Florida International and work for the Knicks because of a handful of conflict of interests, according to an NBA source.

“After speaking with Commissioner Stern and Knicks executives, it has become apparent that my new agreement violates certain NBA bylaws. Because of this, I have decided to rescind my contract with the team,” Thomas said in a statement. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for Jim Dolan, Donnie Walsh, Mike D’Antoni and the entire Knicks organization, and I want to thank them for affording me this opportunity.”

Thomas is expected back in his role as FIU coach, though his relationship with Knicks owner James Dolan has been well-established and he likely has a future with the NBA franchise.

Thomas had said on Miami radio he would be willing to leave the school to be a full-time consultant for an NBA team. However, if Dolan made him full-time, it would go against team president Donnie Walsh’s wishes.

The Post reported Sunday that Walsh told Thomas face to face he didn’t want him involved in daily operations and thought the issue was dead.

Walsh was livid Thomas and Dolan hatched out a side deal for him to work as a part-time consultant while keeping his FIU job, an agreement announced last Friday.

“Although I’m disappointed that Isiah will not be working with the Knicks as a consultant, I continue to believe in his basketball knowledge, including his ability to judge talent,” Dolan said in a statement. “He’s a good friend of mine and of the organization and I will continue to solicit his views. He will always have strong ties to me and the team. We wish him continued success at FIU.

“I also believe Donnie Walsh has done a terrific job since joining the Knicks and my tremendous respect for him has only grown since he’s joined the organization. I’m confident that the work that Donnie, Coach Mike D’Antoni and their staffs have done this summer has the team poised for long-term success.”

The conflicts for Thomas appeared many. NBA personnel can’t attend high school games or have contact with high school students unless they are All-Star contests. NBA personnel also can’t have contact with college players not eligible for the Draft.

At least two NBA owners complained to the league immediately and several NBA executives thought it was bogus arrangement.

“We have been informed by the Knicks that Isiah Thomas has rescinded his consulting agreement with the team. As a result, it is not necessary for the league to take any formal action on the proposed arrangement,” NBA commissioner David Stern said, according to The Associated Press. “However, we have reminded the Knicks of NBA rules that prohibit team personnel, including consultants, from having contact with players not eligible for the draft.”

The announcement Thomas would be hired as a consultant was met with vicious reaction from a Knicks fan base who feel Thomas ruined the franchise.

Thomas in his statement made the biggest acknowledgement to date of his failed 4 1/2-year tenure with the Knicks that ended in April 2008.

“One of the biggest regrets of my life is that the Knicks didn’t perform up to the standards the fans had every right to expect while I was in charge. I take full responsibility for that,” Thomas said. “I was very much looking forward to this unique opportunity to help the organization do what I do best: find basketball talent. I wish the team nothing but success in the future.”

Thomas can still be in Dolan’s ear unofficially. Thomas, in an unofficial capacity, helped in the free-agent recruitment of Amar’e Stoudemire and met with a member of LeBron James’ entourage.