Knicks Don’t Click: Isiah Thomas Illustrates How Money Can’t Buy You Love

David J. Berri and Martin B. Schmidt

Let’s take a look at the New York Knicks. From 1997–98 to 2003–04, the Knicks finished either first or second in league payroll every single year. Although the team did reach the NBA Finals in 1999, their average finish was...well, quite average. Across these seven seasons, the Knicks only won six more games than they lost. The consistent “averageness” of the team led the Knicks to hire Isiah Lord Thomas III in December 2003.

Today it’s understood that Isiah’s tenure in New York was not exactly successful. But that’s not the way it started. William Rhoden of the New York Times stated soon after the Knicks announced the hiring of Isiah: ...