Former Knicks president and coach Isiah Thomas said during his 48-hour publicity campaign that Carmelo Anthony wouldn’t automatically come to the Knicks if he was in charge. However, he touted the respect he said still has in the NBA — from players to owners.

Thomas is said to have a good relationship with Anthony and has convinced Knicks owner James Dolan he’d be an asset to recruiting free agents.

“I don’t know if that likelihood would increase if I was a member or not,” Thomas said.”This is what I do know. I have a great relationship with a lot of the players. I get asked constantly by players, coaches, GMs, even owners about advice. The people I’m able to build relationships with and have contacts, we do try to help each other.

“If I’m there, does Carmelo automatically come? I don’t believe that’s the case. He’ll do what’s best for Carmelo and his family and his long-term career in the NBA. Just as LeBron [James] has done, just as Amar’e [Stoudemire] has done. The players now look at the overall picture and take in family lifestyle and what the team will be about. I think I have the respect of the people in the game.”