3. Donnie Walsh
Donnie Walsh accepted the Knicks’ job coming in with an impressive resume from his long tenure with the Indiana Pacers that included playoff appearances and drafting franchise guard Reggie Miller. His hiring was immediately looked at as one of the more promising decisions James Dolan has ever made as team owner.
Walsh held the role from April 2, 2008 to June 30, 2011, immediately making several transactions over the first two years to get the team under the salary cap. The increased flexibility allowed for the Knicks’ biggest acquisition in years with a young and healthy Amar’e Stoudemire putting up numbers as the team’s All-Star captain. Walsh also pulled the infamous deal for Carmelo Anthony in 2011, creating a buzz in New York not seen in years.
The good times, however, did not last as Walsh was not retained by the Knicks due to differences with owner James Dolan. Walsh was seeking full control of basketball operations but wasn’t given the opportunity, leading to a parting of ways.
Walsh would go on to return for a year with Indiana but his tenure in New York created excitement and hope for fans, as it seemed like the Knicks were the new popular team again in the league.