Larry Brown could be done in New York

The New York Post reported yesterday that Knicks president James Dolan is considering buying out the rest of coach Larry Brown's contract. This may come as a surprise to fans after hearing Dolan praise the coach and reiterate that they will seek out players to fit his mold next year. Today, the news is that this buyout will most likely happen, and that team GM Isiah Thomas will probably become head coach. The advantage to this is that the team would not have to pay Thomas any additional money.

It hasn't even been a year since things looked to be on the up and up in New York, with Larry Brown proclaiming this as his "dream job." Since then the Knicks finished 23-59 and became the laughing stock of the league, holding the highest payroll as well.

I guess the team has given up on handing Larry a second chance. If you ask me, I don't necessarily see this as a bad move, but it's not a good one either. On one side, Brown would have brought in boring defensive role players, given up on coaching the teams stars, and maybe made the playoffs. With the buyout in place, Isiah will be forced to coach the disaster of a team that he created. If he had some sort of vision of team chemistry with this roster, he can now make it happen. This news also confirms that Stephon Marbury officially has won the battle for New York, since he will definitely stay as Isiah's all-time coveted trade piece.

In my opinion, the Knicks should new take some money and fill another coaching spot. I have said throughout the season that Patrick Ewing needs to be a part of this organization again. What better way than to bring him in as an assistant coach and polish Eddy Curry's game? He has done well with Yao Ming in Houston, who is a human stick figure. If he took a player like Curry, who already has the low post moves, and taught him how to rebound and be more of a presence, he could be a force to be reckoned with.

In other news, rumors are swirling about the possibility of Ben Gordon coming to New York for Steve Francis and a first round pick.

I have no idea why Chicago would ever go for this trade, but I'd love to see Gordon come to the Garden. This could cause major problems for Marbury, however. I doubt they could gel in the backcourt. I say ditch Marbury and Francis, and start Gordon at point with Jamal Crawford at the two. But we all know Isiah will probably settle with this roster, and then cry when he can't find a way to lure Kevin Garnett out of Minnesota.