KNICK NOTES

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Knick coach Lenny Wilkens wants Tim Thomas to move on. Thomas still hasn’t gotten over the way last season ended, with him grimacing on the court after being knocked down by Jason Collins and injuring his back in a series-ending crash.

Even leading up to last night’s Nets-Knicks preseason opener at Wachovia Arena, Thomas has expressed his bitterness, even calling Collins a coward Wednesday. And Wilkens wants him to tone it down.

Wilkens said he has spoken to him about letting go of the incident.

“I’m sure he’s not happy the way last season ended,” Wilkens said. “He’s got to rise above everything, put all that behind him and look forward to next year. You prove yourself on the floor night in and night out.”

Thomas is a very emotional type who says what’s on his mind.

“There’s nothing wrong with being emotional, it’s just controlling it to where it’s your advantage and not somebody else’s,” Wilkens said.

*

As expected, Wilkens started a frontcourt tandem of Nazr Mohammed and Kurt Thomas. But Wilkens said he will tinker with the lineup in the preseason. Obviously, Michael Sweetney will get a crack at the power-forward job and Vin Baker at center.

Wilkens said he’s got his 12-man active roster all but set. Point guard Andre Barrett, of The Bronx and Seton Hall, is not expected to make the 15-man unit, though Wilkens thinks he has a chance of landing in the league if not this year, then in the future.

Wilkens couldn’t wait for last night’s preseason opener.

“There are a lot of guys out there anxious,” the coach said.

Said Stephon Marbury, “Finally a game.”