New York Knicks: 5 most notable general managers in franchise history

GREENSBURGH, NY - JULY 08: New York Knicks General Manager Steve Mills during a press conference introducing the Knicks new free agent signings at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility on July 8, 2016 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
GREENSBURGH, NY - JULY 08: New York Knicks General Manager Steve Mills during a press conference introducing the Knicks new free agent signings at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility on July 8, 2016 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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GREENSBURGH, NY – JULY 08: New York Knicks General Manager Steve Mills during a press conference introducing the Knicks new free agent signings at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility on July 8, 2016 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
GREENSBURGH, NY – JULY 08: New York Knicks General Manager Steve Mills during a press conference introducing the Knicks new free agent signings at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility on July 8, 2016 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks have had a unique history in hiring team executives. Here are the five most notable general managers in franchise history.

The Phil Jackson experience as a team executive with the New York Knicks was a complete disaster, forcing owner James Dolan to go in another direction. As NBA free agency is well underway, it’s critical the Knicks’ next front office decision-maker has a clear vision for the franchise moving forward.

The opportunity to bring in veteran Scott Perry is seen by many as a changing of the guard in New York. The only issue is that as the guard changes, some things stay the same, such as former general manager Steve Mills being promoted to Jackson’s old role as team president.

Mills may not have gotten the media attention like Jackson did as team president, but he is still a member of the front office team responsible for the mess in New York over the past four seasons. The upgrade to becoming president could be the last step before he is also asked to “part ways” with the franchise, as Dolan is a fan of giving executives enough rope to eventually sabotage themselves.

Perry expressed his excitement for the opportunity to change the struggling franchise’s fortunes around in his statement from the team’s press release.

"“I will work tirelessly to develop a culture that demands results, commitment and pride from everyone fortunate enough to be associated with our team — from our staff to our players, Nothing comes close to Madison Square Garden for basketball, and it is our right and responsibility to showcase that tradition of excellence, day and night. I can’t wait to get started.”"

Perry is the latest addition to a history of Knicks GMs, which has been filled with many interesting characters and moments, for better or worse. Here is a look back at the five most notable general managers in franchise history.