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The New York Knicks and team president Leon Rose continue to fill out the front office. On Monday it was Utah’s Walt Perrin, and Tuesday it is Oklahoma City Thunder scout Frank Zanin.
The Knicks are hiring Frank Zanin for an undetermined role for their front office, league sources say. It's not official but they're working towards a deal. He's currently in the Thunder front office but worked as a Nets assistant GM before that.
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) May 19, 2020
Zanin has worked in the NBA since 1999, first with the 76ers, then with the Nets (where he served as assistant GM for three years) and most recently with the Thunder.
According to Newsday’s Steve Popper, Zanin and Perrin will have complimentary roles within the organization, with Perrin covering the pre-draft scouting and Zanin handling pro personnel.
Zanin played high school ball against Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who shouted him out years ago when he took the Brooklyn job.
Hope to see you in the GM seat for the @BrooklynNets @F1E2Z you have a great basketball mind and it's time you get your shot #gogetit
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2016
These recent hirings could also spell doom for a few front office holdovers from the Steve Mills regime, per Stefan Bondy.
Nothing official but multiple sources have said Knicks front office members Craig Robinson, Gerald Madkins and Harold Ellis will not be retained.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) May 19, 2020
There were many negative reactions when it was announced that Rose was keeping GM Scott Perry for one more season. But if these new hirings are any indication, it might no longer be business as usual at MSG once basketball returns. And that would be a very good thing.