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crzymdups @ 6/29/2011 9:36 AM

Now this is a move I'd be in favor of. Even if he's old, he can still defend and would provide a good presence on the court and in the lockerroom. Not sure I can believe the Bulls would let him go, but hey, maybe Kurt wants back on the Knicks?

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basket...

Kurt Thomas is the NBA's oldest player and he might just hold the title of slowest and most vertically challenged, too.
Yet, he's precisely what the Knicks need.
According to a team source, the Knicks intend to make a run at reacquiring Thomas this summer, or whenever the expected NBA lockout ends. The veteran power forward is a free agent who spent last season with the Chicago Bulls and has made it clear that he wants to play at least one more season.
Thomas will likely decide between the Knicks and Bulls, although he remains hopeful that his hometown Dallas Mavericks will reach out to him as well. Thomas attended all three NBA Finals games in Dallas.
"I'm working out and staying in shape," Thomas, a Knick from 1999-2005, said over the telephone. "I definitely want to play again."
Thomas, who will turn 39 in October, has replaced the recently retired Shaquille O'Neal as the NBA's oldest player. However, unlike Shaq, Thomas has proven that he can stay healthy and be productive.
Thomas appeared in 52 games and made 32 starts last season for a Bulls team that won a league-high 62 games. He was signed as insurance for Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer and ended up being a vital player for Chicago when the Bulls' starting center and starting power forward, respectively, both missed significant time due to injury.
The 6-9 Thomas appeals to the Knicks because he gives them an experienced low-post defender off the bench. Plus, he's still a good pick-and-pop shooter with decent range. The Knicks also believe Thomas' voice and presence will help their locker room and that he can be a good influence on rookies Jerome Jordan and Josh Harrellson.
Mike D'Antoni, who coached Thomas in Phoenix, tried to recruit Thomas to the Knicks two years ago. Thomas left the Knicks organization on good terms despite having a celebrated falling-out with Stephon Marbury that culminated with the two nearly fighting in the locker room after a game.
Thomas and Marcus Camby are the two remaining active players from the Knicks' 1999 conference title team.
"Everyone knows how I feel about the Knicks," said Thomas, who averaged 4.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game last season. "I have a lot of friends there. We'll see what happens. It's too early to say right now, especially since there might be a lockout. But I'm keeping myself ready because I want to keep playing."

SupremeCommander @ 6/29/2011 9:43 AM

also in favor. He'd just be a good locker room presence period. KT is one of the few guys in the league that (1) wouldn't let Amar'e and Melo off the hook for taking defensive plays off and (2) that those two guys would listen to

Uptown @ 6/29/2011 10:32 AM

Kurt Thomas at 39 will have the same problems he had when he was in his prime with us. He was used as an undersized center. He plays good position D, but he's not protecting the rim. Unless he's going to spot Stat at Pf, I really dont need to see him manning the Center spot.

jimimou @ 6/29/2011 10:38 AM

i wold take back crazy eyes in a heartbeat - good for 15-20 minutes a night. great defender. he will help alot.

Ira @ 6/29/2011 11:16 AM

I'd like to see Kurt Thomas retire as a Knick. He played hard and smart. He'd help in the locker room and as a teacher. I don't know how much he has left as a player.

NYKBocker @ 6/29/2011 11:50 AM

No problem with this signing. At least you know he will box out.

CrushAlot @ 6/29/2011 11:58 AM

Thomas and Billups in the same locker room would be great for the Knicks. Thomas has always played the game right and would help Amare a lot up front.

Moonangie @ 6/29/2011 12:14 PM

I always loved KT on the Knicks and would think it a great addition on a one year deal.

nixluva @ 6/29/2011 2:56 PM

I was looking to see if we could get him back before, so i'm on board with this. He's just so smart on D and our young bigs could learn a ton from him. He knows all the tricks and techniques. I'd even offer him a job as a defensive assistant when he's done.

AnubisADL @ 6/29/2011 3:00 PM

Dude is only good for spot minutes in certain situations. He is a good locker room guy though. Just think a less effective Juwan Howard.

DrAlphaeus @ 6/29/2011 3:02 PM

Plus the yoots get investment advice! (I wonder how his portfolio is doing...)

MaTT4281 @ 6/29/2011 3:04 PM

One of the few FA's I said I wanted. Hope we can bring KT back...but he just made it to the ECF with Chicago. I'd expect them to get first dibs.

DJMUSIC @ 6/29/2011 3:31 PM

Thing with Dirty Kurty Thomas is if he's in shape and plays a few min. in quarters
you know he's gonna give some of those NON-stars a hard time when they dont play D-eefense

He used to get up Stephon Marbury's arrsse-hole
anyone whom can push other knick players to play D, is Ok with me.

Thomas had good yrs in NY plus D'Antoni and his staff wont have to teach him defense
he can Teach D'antoni defense without being defensive!

BasketballJones @ 6/29/2011 5:19 PM

After all we've been through, it's great to see the Knicks finally make the ultimate move: Signing Kurt Thomas. This is it; championship, here we come.

Papabear @ 6/29/2011 5:27 PM

BasketballJones wrote:After all we've been through, it's great to see the Knicks finally make the ultimate move: Signing Kurt Thomas. This is it; championship, here we come.

Papabear Says

Properganda, Hype!! Kirt Thomas ain't coming to New York.

loweyecue @ 6/29/2011 6:33 PM

I always loved KT and have missed him since he left the Knicks. I would love to see him back. I don't care if he doesn't have a lot left in hte tank, he would still be an upgrade on Jefries.

arkrud @ 6/29/2011 6:34 PM

Papabear wrote:
BasketballJones wrote:After all we've been through, it's great to see the Knicks finally make the ultimate move: Signing Kurt Thomas. This is it; championship, here we come.
Papabear Says
Properganda, Hype!! Kirt Thomas ain't coming to New York.

Papaganda!!!

CrushAlot @ 6/29/2011 9:25 PM

Thomas was actually pretty productive last year and played almost the identical amount of minutes as Turiaf for the season. He would be a great fit for many reasons.

martin @ 6/29/2011 10:43 PM

arkrud wrote:
Papabear wrote:
BasketballJones wrote:After all we've been through, it's great to see the Knicks finally make the ultimate move: Signing Kurt Thomas. This is it; championship, here we come.
Papabear Says
Properganda, Hype!! Kirt Thomas ain't coming to New York.
Papaganda!!!

metra @ 6/29/2011 10:59 PM

I'd love for Kurt to retire here. Great hustle player. If he pulls the chair out from another player one more time the Garden's going to go absolutely nuts.

diehardknick @ 6/29/2011 11:40 PM

Kurt is much welcomed however he is not a Center. We need a center.True, he bangs and all but we need a true. Flip
side he would be good for developing rooks

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