New York Knicks: How the hole grew deeper through the Isiah Thomas era

In part two of our series on the New York Knicks’ long-term problems the hole gets deeper with a new president and a game of head coach musical chairs

In part one of the series, we looked at decisions made within the New York Knicks‘ organization starting in the 1999 Draft that would be the beginning of their long-term struggles on the court. Now we’ll pick up the story at the beginning of the 2001- 02 season.

Jeff Van Gundy resigns as coach of the New York Knicks early in the season

After starting the season a disappointing 4-7, the Knicks went on a run where they won six of eight matchups boosting them just over .500. But then, the Knicks’ instability monster would rear its ugly head.

On December 8, 2001, then coach Jeff Van Gundy resigned from his position after five full and two partial seasons with the team. At the time, Van Gundy seemed to be focused on a silver lining saying:

"I’m going to step back and exhale for the first time in 13 years. When I told my daughter today, she said: “Does this mean you get to have lunch with me?” So that’s cool."

However, later on, Van Gundy would openly admit to later regretting that decision. In 2013 he said:

"I live with that regret every day. Not because I view myself, quote-unquote as a quitter. I don’t look at it that way. But I did leave that situation, I did quit that situation and I live with that regret."

Adding:

"I did get a good hot dog out of it because I walked from the practice facility to the hot dog stand … but that was about all I got from that stupid decision."

Assistant Coach, Don Chaney took over and the Knicks would win only 20 more games that season.

And remember those expensive, long-term contracts with Luc Longley, Travis Knight and Allan Houston we talked about in part one of this series? In the 2001- 02 season those three deals combined to gobble up $22.7 million in salary.

Also that season:

• Marcus Camby missed 53 games with an injury
• On January 21, the Knicks were completely embarrassed when they lost by 43 points at home to the Charlotte Hornets

The Knicks finished 30 and 52 in the regular season losing 18 more games than in the 2000- 01 season. It was their first losing record since 1990- 91 season and their first time missing the playoffs in over 10 years.