Rose introduced as Knicks president: 'I ask for your continued patience'

The Leon Rose era officially began in New York on Monday, as the Knicks announced they've hired the former CAA agent as team president.

"We are pleased to welcome Leon to the New York Knicks as team president and believe he is the right leader to build a winning organization for our fans," Knicks owner James Dolan said in a statement. "Leon is one of the most respected executives in professional basketball, with decades of experience successfully working with NBA players and team management in all facets of the game. We are confident he brings the right combination of expertise and relationships to ensure the long-term success of the franchise."

Rose previously served as co-head of CAA's basketball division, where he worked with NBA stars such as Joel Embiid, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Carmelo Anthony.

The Cherry Hill, New Jersey, native has been tasked with turning around the Knicks, who haven't made the playoffs since 2012-13 and have posted just three winning seasons since 2000-01. In his opening message to fans, Rose spoke to those recent struggles and the time he'll need to shift the storied franchise's fortunes.

"Nothing about this is easy or quick, so I ask for your continued patience," Rose said in a lengthy post on Twitter. "What I promise you in return is that I will be honest and forthright. We will develop a plan that makes sense, both to jump-start our short-term growth and ensure our long-term success."

At 18-42, the Knicks currently occupy last place in the Atlantic Division and sit 9 1/2 games behind the Brooklyn Nets for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.