The Knicks have distanced themselves from Isiah Thomas – but just five days before their season opener vs. Miami, he was back in their faces yesterday.
News that Thomas had been hospitalized for a prescription-drug overdose thrust him back into the Knick universe on the day of their preseason finale. And, symbolically, Garden boos were back, too, in a sloppy 111-110 loss to the Nets. The Knicks finished the preseason at 3-4.
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There have been conflicting details on the incident, with Thomas telling The Post in a 30-second conversation that the medical issue revolved around his 17-year-old daughter, Lauren. Thomas spoke in vague terms but said, “It was not an overdose.” Regardless of the specifics, Thomas was back in the news after having disappeared since being let go as coach and president last spring.
Thomas is in an untitled role with the Knicks. He has told confidants he has not been used in many capacities. He made a scouting trip to Italy and Spain in May to watch Danilo Gallinari, whom the Knicks drafted, and Nicolas Batum, a Warriors selection.
Knicks president Donnie Walsh said he gave Thomas another assignment over the summer, but couldn’t recall what it was. Walsh said he also has had the occasional dinner with Thomas, but not since training camp. Thomas also pops into the training facility once in a while.
However, Thomas was not a the pre-draft camp in Orlando in June, was not at the Knicks’ private draft workouts at their Westchester County campus, was not at the Las Vegas summer league and was not invited to their training camp in Saratoga Springs.
In fact, coach Mike D’Antoni said he believes the last time he spoke to Thomas was in June.
“I just feel bad about it like everybody else,” D’Antoni said. “But I have no knowledge or contact.”
The sense is the Knicks are letting the wounds from his dismissal heal before making Thomas more visible. People in the organization believe the fallout and timing of the Anucha Browne-Sanders sexual harassment suit in 2007 helped doom last season.
Friends said Thomas has spent a lot of his time on recruiting trips looking at colleges for his daughter.
David Lee said he spotted Thomas last month at the Manhattan premiere of Spike Lee’s move, “Miracle at St. Anna.” Lee yesterday texted Thomas but received no response.
“Even though he’s not here, he’s a friend,” Lee said. “We wish him the best.”
The Knicks, in a statement, said: “Isiah Thomas spoke with members of the New York Knicks organization and is OK. He is dealing with a family matter and we will have no further comment.”
Lee is considered Thomas’ best draft pick; he selected the big man with the 30th pick in the 2005 draft. Thomas has told a friend that he will feel vindicated if the Knicks, with the cast he assembled, experience success this season.
Three of his late-first-round picks – Lee, Nate Robinson (No. 21 in 2005) and Wilson Chandler (No. 23 in 2007) – have had big preseasons. Zach Randolph, whom Thomas was roundly roasted for obtaining, also has looked strong.
Knicks senior VP Glen Grunwald, who was retained by Walsh, said he saw Thomas around the office last week.
“He seems like he’s doing good,” Grunwald. “I hope everything’s OK with him and his family.”
Ironically, Allan Houston, cut by the Knicks on Thursday, will inherit a position Thomas likely would crave – player development assistant. Houston will attend practices and often travel with the club, working with the players.