KNICK NOTES
WASHINGTON – Lenny Wilkens has no regrets about accepting Isiah Thomas’ offer last January, and said he will return next season for his 32nd season as head coach.
With a playoff berth clinched, Wilkens believes the sky’s the limit next season with a training camp.
“If I wasn’t happy, I wouldn’t be here,” said Wilkens, now 21-18 as Knick coach after last night’s overtime win over the Wizards.
“It was a great challenge. I’d like to see us come out of training camp with everybody. That’s what I’m looking forward to.
“I want to see what we can do and evolve into,” Wilkens added. “What we’ve accomplished is huge, considering. I don’t think any team has made all those changes and still be competing for the playoffs. I don’t see any team that’s done that and been successful, take the key player of every team and go through the changes, and still be there. That speaks to the players not quitting.”
Fellow Brooklynite Stephon Marbury’s support of Wilkens is why the Hall of Fame coach with a .537 career winning percentage will be back, at least to start next season. Though Wilkens had signed a five-year deal, two of those years are based on options.
A franchise record 22 players have suited up for the Knicks this season.
“We’ve had changes, guys in and out of the lineup because of injuries,” Wilkens said. “It’s hard to establish [identity]. Usually you establish it in training camp and build on it the whole year. We’ll continue to work on it. Maybe at the time you come out for the playoffs you got it.”
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Allan Houston spent the last three days in Bedford, Mass., for water therapy and is definitely out for the rest of the regular season, Wilkens said, though he’s eligible to be activated from the injured list today.
Whether he’s ready for Sunday’s first round is up in the air. After the regular-season finale, Houston would have three days to practice.
“I would love it,” Wilkens said. “But we’re not putting any pressure on him. We’d love it if that can happen.”