NEW YORK (AP) Don Chaney and his two top assistant coaches were fired by the New York Knicks, and Lenny Wilkens was hired as the team's new head coach Wednesday.

``I think he's a perfect fit,'' team president Isiah Thomas said at a news conference at Madison Square Garden.

Wilkens is the NBA leader in career coaching victories.

Assistant Herb Williams was to coach the Knicks on Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic. The Knicks are 15-24.

Assistants Brendan Malone and Lon Kruger were fired along with Chaney.

The changes came on a bizarre day, even by the Knicks' standards. Chaney put the team through its morning shootaround after reading in a newspaper that he would be replaced by former NBA coach and current TV analyst Mike Fratello.

Fratello later released a statement saying he had no agreement ``in place,'' and then came the news of Wilkens' hiring.

Thomas said no offer was made to Fratello. Thomas also said he considered making himself the coach, but decided ``Lenny would be a better choice.''

It was the latest in a series of major changes made by Thomas, who took over for fired team president Scott Layden late last month.