KNICK NOTES
Isiah Thomas will find out Thursday if he’ll be allowed to sign Vin Baker.
The Knicks and Celtics battled yesterday in another court regarding Baker’s status. A two-hour hearing in Manhattan yesterday was held as the Players Association fought the NBA’s ruling Baker can’t sign with another team until his grievance with Boston is completed.
Arbitrator Roger Kaplan said he will have a written decision Thursday. Baker, a recovering alcoholic who last suited up for the Celtics Jan. 16, attended the hearing and told the Boston Herald, “I’m just getting ready to play. I’m just waiting for the ruling right now.”
Union spokesman Dan Wasserman said, “We were pleased with how the hearing unfolded and we’re optimistic Vin will have a chance to sign with a club very soon.”
Multiple sources have told The Post Baker plans to sign with the Knicks.
Jean Baker, Vin’s mother, told The Post in a telephone interview from her suburban Hartford home, “He’s doing wonderful. I think it’s going to be good for him to play [this season].”
When asked about his interest in the Knicks, she said, “He thinks Isiah Thomas is wonderful.”
James Baker, Vin’s father, is a Baptist preacher in Connecticut.
“We’re very religious but we all have our problems,” Baker’s mother said.
Baker was suspended twice this season for allegedly violating his aftercare program. It’s difficult to imagine the 6-11 Baker, who hasn’t even been cleared to play, making an impact this season. Isiah’s pursuit seems half-baked but he can create more headlines for himself with the signing.
The league contends Baker can’t sign with the Knicks because if he wins his Celtic grievance, Boston retains his rights and $35 million contract.
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Lenny Wilkens said rookie power forward Mike Sweetney will be in rotation the rest of the way following his career-high 10 rebounds Sunday.
“I’m not apprehensive about putting him in the game,” Wilkens said. “I’d say he’s going to be part of that.” . . . PG Frank Williams, whose mother died last week, has yet to rejoin team.
