Newsmakers

Hired Coach Isiah Thomas is back in the New York Knicks organization as a consultant, two years after he was fired as coach and team president. The Knicks announced Thomas’ role Friday, saying he would “assist the team’s senior management in various capacities, including player recruitment.” Thomas will continue to coach at Florida International University.

Signed The Minnesota Wild agreed to terms with veteran center John Madden on a one-year contract. The 37-year-old Madden has won three Stanley Cup titles in his career, including last season with the Chicago Blackhawks.

• Rookie center Cole Aldrich signed his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Aldrich was the No. 11 overall pick in the NBA draft in June before being traded from the New Orleans Hornets to the Thunder.

• After a successful stint with Charlotte’s summer league team, the Bobcats have reached a deal with undrafted rookie Sherron Collins to help with depth at point guard.

• The Minnesota Timberwolves added another young, versatile forward to their rebuilt roster, agreeing to terms with free agent Anthony Tolliver on a two-year deal.

Transferring Mississippi guard Eniel Polynice is going to play at Seton Hall this season. Seton Hall announced that the guard has signed a national letter of intent and has received a waiver from the NCAA that will allow him to play this season. Polynice was granted a waiver because he has graduated with a year of eligibility remaining, and because Ole Miss does not offer a graduate degree in his field of study, communications.

Absent The ATP says no U.S. men will be ranked in the top 10 next week, the first time the country hasn’t been represented since the computer rankings began in 1973.

Leaving Backup Texas quarterback Sherrod Harris won’t return for his final season so he can focus on getting his degree. Harris said he had “a couple of tough semesters” and wanted to stay on track to graduate in December.

Injured England’s Lee Westwood withdrew from the PGA Championship with an injury that even puts the Ryder Cup in doubt. Westwood suffered a calf injury at the French Open the first week in July.