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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)
New York Knicks (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Frank Zanin

Frank Zanin has been working in the league for 21 years. He recently held the position of pro scout for the Thunder before accepting the role as Assistant General Manager of Pro Personnel for the Knicks.

Before Zanin’s time with the Thunder, he worked with Billy King for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets. After King was handed his pink slip from the Nets, Zanin went over to the Thunder.

Now, it should be noted that Zanin has had a long working relationship with Rose in their prior roles, so, understandably, Rose would want Zanin to join his team.

Zanin is also well respected around the league (which seems to be a theme for Rose’s staff) because of his hard work ethic and his lack of interest in the spotlight.

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Even the late Kobe Bryant publically praised Zanin when he took the role with the Nets (side note: Kobe and Zanin played against each other in high school, and Bryant whooped Zanin’s team).

Zanin’s scouting is still a toss-up because he hasn’t had the opportunity to draft in the lottery. The Nets didn’t have any first-round picks thanks to King’s horrendous trade with the Boston Celtics, and the Thunder have been competitive for so many seasons they’ve rarely had an opportunity to draft in the lottery.

Regardless, Zanin is respected around the league, even if working with King may have blemished his resume. It clearly wasn’t enough to stop Sam Presti from hiring Zanin and having him in charge of pro scouting.

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