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New York Knicks: Leon Rose is changing the front office

By Alexander Trataros

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) New York Knicks president Leon Rose (C) watches his team play against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 125-123. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) New York Knicks president Leon Rose (C) watches his team play against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 125-123. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Walt Perrin

Walt Perrin joins the Knicks as an assistant general manager with a lead role in the college scouting department.

Perrin started his career as a scout for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Detroit Pistons from 1993 to 1995. Perrin would then scout primarily for the Pistons from 1996 to 2002. He then left the Pistons and moved to the Jazz’s front office and had a 19-year career as the Vice President of Player Personnel.

Related Story. Knicks: Four players who need a strong finish. light

During Perrin’s tenure with the Jazz, he was instrumental when it came to scouting and drafting. I mean, Perrin helped draft six All-Stars while in Utah. In no particular order, those players are:

  • Donovan Mitchell
  • Rudy Gobert
  • Deron Williams
  • Paul Millsap
  • Gordon Hayward
  • Mo Williams

That’s quite a track record. But even with Perrin’s success, of course, there were some misses, such as Trey Burke, Kevin Murphy, Morris Almond, Kirk Snyder, and Dante Exum, to name a few.

But between his successes and failures, what’s apparent is that Perrin has 27-years of experience in the NBA. To stay employed in the league for that long is quite impressive (especially 19 years with the Jazz), considering that front offices are usually churning. It could mean that the Jazz are one of the few teams with a high employee retention rate. But it’s most likely because Perrin has shown he has an ability to eye talent.

Jazz Senior Vice President Kevin O’Connor had this to say about Perrin’s scouting ability:

"“I think he has a unique ability … to evaluate their transition into being a successful pro, both in character and personality for the franchise and the place that you’re at and overall talent…Obviously you have to be good enough to play, but there’s other factors involved.”"

Based on the Jazz’s success for the past couple of years between their solid draft selections and roster construction, it’s clear why Rose hired Perrin.

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