Coach K would not consult

NEW YORK -- Mike D'Antoni sounds OK with it. Mike Krzyzewski wouldn't do it.

Isiah Thomas' return to the New York Knicks as a consultant while still coaching a college team has raised plenty of questions - starting with whether it's even legal.

D'Antoni, who became the Knicks' coach after Thomas was fired two years ago, said Tuesday his predecessor could provide an advantage for the organization and he supported bringing him back on as long as team president Donnie Walsh approved.

"I'm sure that Isiah has a lot to offer. Donnie will call on if he needs it and be in consult," D'Antoni said.

Thomas had a similar role after he was fired as general manager and coach in 2008.

However, he has since become coach of Florida International, which is where the conflict could arise.

Krzyzewski, the Hall of Fame coach of Duke and the U.S. national team, would decline a similar position because he believes college and NBA jobs should be separate.

"I would decline to do that just because I shouldn't be perceived to have an advantage in whatever way over another college coach, so that's why I wouldn't to do it," he said after the Americans practiced. "I don't think there's anything ethically wrong with it or whatever, I just think that it's probably better to keep it separate."

The NBA is reviewing the agreement to see if it violates league rules, which prevent team officials from having contact with players who aren't yet eligible for the draft.

The Knicks have taken a beating over Thomas' return.