Report: Isiah Thomas was "lukewarm" on Jeremy Lin

Isiah Thomas, a confidant to New York Knicks owner James Dolan, was reportedly "lukewarm" on Jeremy Lin. (D. Lippitt/Einstein, Getty Images)

With Jeremy Lin set to begin a new chapter in Houston in his already-infamous NBA career, the discussion has now turned to why New York Knicks owner James Dolan, whose MSG stock reportedly lost $100 million over the last week, decided not to match the $25 million offer sheet tendered by the Rockets.

Among those who Dolan reportedly considers confidants is former Knicks coach and president Isiah Thomas, who wasn't sold on Jeremy Lin being a $25 million point guard, according to Henry Abbott of ESPN.com:

Most tellingly, perhaps, Isiah Thomas is close to Dolan, Wesley, Grunwald, Woodson and others with the Knicks, according to sources. The former Knicks president and coach is still a very influential voice in Dolan's ear, and those behind the scenes say he is lukewarm toward Lin.

Despite a Hall-of-Fame career as a point guard for the Detroit Pistons, Thomas' tenure as a coach and executive has been marred by controversy, ranging from a sexual harrasment lawsuit brought on by a former Madison Square Garden employee to a reported drug overdose at his Westchester County residence. In two seasons as head coach of the Knicks, he went 56-108. In April, Thomas was fired as head coach of Florida International.