SEATTLE – The Knicks yesterday signed a reeling reclamation project. Qyntel Woods, the 6-foot-8 athletic small forward who comes with a litany of past transgressions, claimed to be a changed man yesterday.
While the signing smacks of another Isiah Thomas gamble, the Knicks president revealed Larry Brown pushed this move to fill the Knicks’ open roster spot created by Matt Barnes’ release.
In fact, Thomas didn’t sound fully convinced. “He’s a talent, but it’s kind of 50-50,” said Thomas. “It’s hit or miss. No one’s questioned his basketball-playing ability. His character has been questioned.”
It’s a low-risk move. According to source, Woods signed a non-guaranteed deal at the league minimum ($350,000). His contract doesn’t become guaranteed until Jan. 10.
Woods, 24, was charged in 2003 with marijuana possession and pled guilty last January to first-degree misdemeanor, linked to raising pitbulls for dog-fighting. According to Portland police reports, Woods told an officer he was addicted to marijuana.
The Celtics, who obtained him in the Antoine Walker deal in August, waived him before training camp. Woods, selected with the 21st pick by Portland four years ago, sounded humbled. He was not activated for last night’s game, still not in shape.
“I got to prove to everybody I’m not a bad guy,” Woods said. “I’m still working on that now, by going out playing hard, doing what I’m supposed to be doing, staying out of trouble on and off the court. The past is over. I made a lot of mistakes.”
Woods, out of Northeast Mississippi Junior College, was slated as a lottery pick but fell to No. 21 after rumors about drug use and lack of defense.
“Defensively, I don’t know what kind of defender he is,” Thomas said. “In college, he scored the basketball a lot and he was a highlight film in terms of points. He didn’t play much ‘D,’ so I don’t know if Coach [Brown] is going to like that.”
Brown has known Woods since his buddy Memphis coach John Calipari signed him to a letter of intent. Brown said he also received a recommendation from his brother, Herb Brown, who coached Woods with the Blazers.
“Isiah liked him in the draft and I thought we can take a look at him,” Brown said. “A lot of people thought he was a top 10 talent. How are we going to have that chance?”
Not this June. The Bulls will get the Knicks’ potential lottery pick. “We’re hoping he’s here not just for this year but around for a while,” Thomas said.
Mark Termini, Woods’ agent, said, “I couldn’t find a better situation than this,” Termini said. “This is what he needs at this stage of his career; to be with Larry.”
Qyntel Woods’ rap sheet
* Suspended by the Blazers Oct. 10, 2004 after being implicated in dog-fighting ring.
* Waived by the Blazers January 2005 after pleading guilty to first-degree misdemeanor animal abuse. Police found one of his pitbulls bloodied in an alley and seized canine prescription drugs, metal chains and a treadmill – items consistent with dog-fighting.
* Placed on probation for one year, sentenced to 80 hours of community service.
* Pleaded no contest January 2004 for marijuana possession after being pulled over for speeding. Presented to officer his basketball trading card as ID.
* According to Portland police reports in Portland Tribune story, admitted to officer he was addicted to marijuana.
* Suspended without pay five games by the NBA during 2003-2004 season for violating league drug policy.
* Waived by the Celtics on the first day of training camp in October.
* Unemployed, working out in Cleveland until signing yesterday with the Knicks.
