The Knicks signed Tim Hardaway Jr. to a four-year, $71 million contract.
More accurately, Steve Mills signed Hardaway to a four-year, $71 million contract.
Mills – who’s running the Knicks’ front office as they seek Phil Jackson’s long-term replacement – reportedly shocked some within the organization on Hardaway’s contract. Not only was it a massive payday, temporary decision-makers like Mills rarely have the authority to make moves with such long-lasting ramifications.
And it appears Mills won’t even explain himself publicly.
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News:
Steve Mills is not scheduled to attend Tim Hardaway Jr.'s press conference tomorrow.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) July 10, 2017
Jeff Hornacek, who had to answer for Derrick Rose going AWOL, now has to answer for $71 million over four years.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) July 10, 2017
Not only does this unfairly put Jeff Hornacek in the crosshairs, it also unfairly places the burden on Hardaway to defend his deal. Hardaway did nothing wrong, taking the money that was offered to him. But he’ll become the target of backlash.
Mills dodging the press conference would completely fit the culture of no accountability that persists in James Dolan’s Knicks. Maybe Mills is the perfect candidate for the permanent job.
