WORST OF THE WORST
Was Phil Jackson the worst executive in New York sports history? Here are some of the other candidates:
AL HARAZIN
Mets GM, 1992-93: Harazin, who worked under his predecessor Frank Cashen for nearly two decades, took over in 1992 after Cashen retired. Harazin hired Jeff Torborg as manager, signed Bobby Bonilla to a five-year, $29 million contract and traded Gregg Jefferies, Kevin McReynolds and Keith Miller to the Royals for Bret Saberhagen. The result was “The Worst Team Money Could Buy.”
MIKE MILBURY
Islanders GM 1995-2006: In 11 seasons, his teams didn’t win a single playoff series, and he traded away such notable players as Ziggy Palffy, Zdeno Chara, Robert Luongo, Todd Bertuzzi and Olli Jokinen. He switched coaches like most people change clothes, going through nine different ones, including himself twice, during his tenure.
ISIAH THOMAS
Knicks President of Basketball Operations, 2003-08: Before Jackson came along, Thomas was considered the worst executive in Knicks history. They reached the playoffs just once in Thomas’ tenure, getting swept by the Celtics in the 2004 first round, and his teams never finished with a winning record. He is best remembered for trading two lottery picks for Eddy Curry and his role in the sexual harassment case of former employee Anucha Browne Sanders.
BILLY KING
Nets GM 2010-16: In King’s six seasons, the Nets reached the playoffs three times, but he’s remembered for his disastrous trades. King dealt three first-round picks, in 2014, 2016 and 2018, in addition to allowing the Celtics to swap picks in 2017, for over-the-hill superstars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. King also traded his No. 1 pick in 2012 — which became elite point guard Damian Lillard — for journeyman Gerald Wallace.
JOHN IDZIK
Jets GM 2013-14: He came from the Seahawks with a reputation as a capologist, and it showed in his evaluation of talent. His two drafts were colossal flops, whiffing on top picks Dee Milliner, Geno Smith, and Jace Amaro. He had 12 picks in the 2014 draft, and just one — sixth-round WR Quincy Enunwa — is still with the team.