NBA Man Of Mystery ‘World Wide Wes’ William Wesley To Join Knicks’ Revamped Front Office

ESPN – The New York Knicks have hired CAA’s William Wesley as executive vice president/senior basketball adviser, the team announced Wednesday.

Wesley has been a consultant in the coaching division of CAA for 13 years and has a long professional and personal relationship with new Knicks president Leon Rose.

“My long history with and respect for Jim Dolan and Leon Rose, as well as the chance to be part of the New York Knicks, made this an opportunity I wanted to pursue,” Wesley said in a statement. “I look forward to joining the current staff and moving the organization toward a successful future.”

Known as World Wide Wes in basketball circles, Wesley is considered one of the great connectors and relationship builders in the sport. Wesley joins a front office that includes Rose, general manager Scott Perry and chief strategist Brock Aller.

Rose said in a statement that Wesley is “one of the most well-connected and respected people in the basketball community and he will be a tremendous asset and resource to both myself and the New York Knicks.”

William “World Wide Wes” Wesley has been a character of much mystery over his years around the NBA. NBA heads like Bill Simmons amongst others have previously dug into his sphere of influence that has previously had LeBron James’ ear as well as many other key figures in the NBA. He’s also been likened to a less malevolent equivalent of Littlefinger from Game of Thrones, a guy whispering to others behind the scenes to make important things for NBA teams happen. Simmons himself previously speculated on the potential addition of Wesley to the Knicks’ front office:

The Knicks turning their team over to Leon Rose and Worldwide Wes almost broke my brain. It’s actually smart. I can’t believe it.

I wrote about Wes in Feb. 2010. This is one of my favorite stories. pic.twitter.com/oGkj29xHPz

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 6, 2020

It may sound crazy, but the acquisition of World Wide Wes might be the most important move that the Knicks have pulled in quite possibly decades. I’m not sure that one man can turn around the fates of the moribund franchise that’s been an albatross around the necks of Knicks fans for around 20 years. They’ve suffered major PR hits and free agent losses over the years thanks largely to owner James Dolan, as well as front offices that are disconnected from modern players and how they view the world (remember the Donnie Walsh back surgery/LeBron meeting?). A guy who actually knows players, has been in the restaurants and clubs with them, and has built relationships by serving as a de facto advisor to them over the nascent periods of their careers.

That’s what William Wesley brings to the table for them and it’s something they’ve never really had. Sure, they may Knicks it up in the end. But it’s still a better chance than the also-rans and Dolan sycophants they’ve previously had.

Perhaps soon this song can play in prouder times for the first time since the 1990s if James Dolan just stays out of the way:

Follow us on all of our social channels! Check out our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for more great Awesemo content.