Twitter Reacts to the New York Knicks Firing Team President Steve Mills

On Tuesday, following the announcement that the New York Knicks have parted ways with their team president Steve Mills, fans took to Twitter to express their views on the situation.

Mills first started working with the Knicks in 2003, when he was hired as the Chief Operating Officer and Sports Business President of Madison Square Garden. Mills left the organization in 2009 but was re-hired in 2013 as the team's vice president and general manager. He was then promoted to team president in 2017, replacing Phil Jackson.

The Knicks have not made a playoff appearance since the 2012-2013 season, where they lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and have not had a winning season since, which many fans believe is a product of Mills working with the Knicks.

"Steve Mills was the biggest cancer in the Knicks organization. Almost every losing season since 2001 can be attributed to Steve Mills [sic] incompetence. James Dolan did amazing today by finally firing him. This was great for the Knicks," Twitter user Fredo wrote.

"Since Steve Mills took over as executive VP, the New York Knicks have a record of 178-365. That's a winning percentage of 32%. Indeed, the worst percentage in the NBA," wrote Twitter user John Lund.

"My favorite stats for Steve Mills as Prez or GM of Knicks for 13 seasons since '03. Lost 336 of first 500 games. In 13 years, miss playoffs every season. In 4 years he wasn't there, NYK made playoffs 3x. Cleared max cap space in '19, landed no top free-agents," Twitter user Damon Amendolara, with a picture of Mills and a checkmark emoji next to each of the stats listed.

While many fans praised the decision to part ways with Mills, some others felt the Knicks struggles aren't only attributed to Mills, but also the team's owner James Dolan.

"The problem with the Knicks is and always has been Dolan plain and simple," wrote Twitter user Sheriff

"I want them to part ways with Dolan," Twitter user SAB wrote.

In addition to the news of Mills and the Knicks parting ways, it was also reported that they are planning to target Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, who signed Kawhi Leonard last season. Leonard subsequently helped the Raptors win the NBA Championship.

"Removing Steve Mills – a close ally of Dolan who would always be seen as a powerful voice – is the first step towards luring an elite exec like Masai Ujiri. Make no mistake: As dysfunctional as the Knicks are, there's appeal in being the GM who turns them around," Chris Mannix wrote.

Included in the Knicks' announcement of their decision to part ways with Mills, the team announced that he would continue to work with Madison Square Garden (MSG), which Dolan also owns. In the statement, the Knicks said Mills will be nominated to the MSG Board.

The Knicks currently have a 15-36 record, which places them as the 13th ranked team in the Eastern Conference. They will take on the Orlando Magic in their next game on Thursday, February 6.