Perry’s first Knick hire is ex-Isiah aide
GERALD MADKINS, one of Isiah Thomas’ former top aides, is returning to the Knicks to serve as Scott Perry’s assistant general manager, a source confirmed on Sunday.
Madkins, who served in a similar role with the Los Angeles Clippers, becomes Perry’s first hire since being named Knicks general manager last week. ESPN first reported Madkins’ hiring.
The move could mean either a diminished role for Clarence Gaines or quite possibly his removal from the organization. Neither would be surprising since Gaines was Phil Jackson’s right-hand man and his future with the club has been in question from the moment Jackson was fired as Knicks president last month.
According to a team source, Perry is also considering hiring another front office executive who would be responsible for managing the salary cap. Longtime Knicks executive Jamie Matthews is currently the Knicks’ “capologist.”
Madkins, a former NBA player, was highly regarded during his first stint with the Knicks, which began in 2003. The former UCLA guard was credited with advising Thomas to draft Trevor Ariza in the second round.
Ariza went on to win an NBA championship with the Lakers and has carved out a solid career for himself. In fact, the Rockets have been unwilling to include Ariza in a potential deal for Carmelo Anthony.