By MARC BERMAN

MILWAUKEE – This is what a dead season feels like, walking eight blocks from the hotel to Bradley Center in the frigid Milwaukee air this morning, without a soul outside, to attend a Knicks’ shootaround for a game between two lottery-bound teams.

A dead season is when the topic of conversation with lame duck Isiah Thomas is why the Knicks don’t hold practices any longer. Thomas said they don’t have enough healthy bodies, adding “We’re practicing as much as any other NBA team practices at this time of year.” Thomas tried to explain these last nine games are beneficial for the future of the franchise for the development of the young guys. It is sad to hear Thomas talk now, knowing he won’t be part of the future in any meaningful role with Donnie Walsh negotiating his way to New York. “We thought we’d be a playoff team this year but we’re still relatively a young team,” Thomas said. “You’re developing young players.”

Maybe there’d be some more excitement if those young guys stirred any visions of star quality. But we’re talking Wilson Chandler, Randolph Morris, Renaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins as your rookies and sophomores. Two of the four may not be in the league in two years. And Chandler and Balkman are role players for life, at best.

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It is surprising Walt Frazier, the most cerebral Knick player ever, never got into coaching. Maybe he is looking for a new challenge now after 21 years of broadcasting. I did a story today about Clyde eager to help out as an instructor next year, feeling he can teach defensive fundamentals this team lacks. It’s a good thought and I hope somebody makes it happen.