Isiah Thomas did a lot wrong during his 4 ½ years, but he can take pride in the Knicks’ current success and feel a part of it.
No one can argue he drafted exceedingly well. Thomas’ key late-first-round pieces – David Lee, Nate Robinson and Wilson Chandler – are chiefly why the Knicks are fighting for a playoff berth.
Chandler, selected 23rd in the 2007 draft, yesterday was named to the Rookie-Sophomore Classic on All-Star Weekend as one of the top nine second-year players. David Lee, selected 30th in the 2005 draft, has an outside shot of being named an All-Star reserve today. Robinson (21st) will be in this league for a while – even if not with the Knicks. He sparked their Atlanta win last night with 20 fourth-quarter points.
Thomas took a leave of absence after his accidental sleeping-pill overdose. But he is back doing what he does best – college scouting in his untitled role under Donnie Walsh. Walsh said he has given Thomas a schedule of college games to scout.
Thomas has laid low since the October incident at his house. In fact, he didn’t first speak to Walsh until early December – six weeks after the incident.
Though Chandler, Lee and Robinson are the caviar of Thomas’ selections, all but one of the picks during his stint were solid – the exception being Channing Frye at No. 7.
“The draft is the hardest thing in any sport,” said Brendan Suhr, the Knicks’ former director of personnel and key draft guy during the Thomas years. “I think Isiah’s always had a tremendous eye for talent.”
When Thomas gets back into the NBA, it could be to run a team’s draft, executives believe. Thomas selected Trevor Ariza in the second round at No. 43. Ariza is a key rotation player for the league-best Lakers. Renaldo Balkman, selected No. 20, is a member of the powerhouse Nuggets’ rotation. Even Mardy Collins, at No. 29, has a future with the Clippers. A Clippers source said Mike Dunleavy loves him.
Nobody had Chandler rated in the first round except Thomas, who made the DePaul freshman a guarantee. Chandler is averaging 13.9 points and 5.4 rebounds.
