http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/114110888934360.xml?starledger?spn&coll=1 Nets notebook: Looks like Thomas may go West Tuesday, February 28, 2006 BY DAVE D'ALESSANDRO Star-Ledger Staff ATLANTA -- The Nets' pursuit of Tim Thomas took a sharp turn for the worse Sunday night, when Chicago's buyout provisions expanded to include a demand that the forward find future employment outside of the Eastern Conference. Bulls GM John Paxson told agent Arn Tellem that he is determined to give Thomas the money he has left on his $14 million contract and allow him to become a free agent, but only if Thomas subsequently signs with San Antonio or Phoenix. The negotiation continued yesterday with no settlement. But Paxson has control of the discussion: If Thomas is not waived by Wednesday, the Paterson native won't be eligible for the playoffs regardless of what team he chooses to play for. Entering the weekend, it was believed that Paxson didn't want Thomas to go to Philadelphia, because the Bulls are chasing the Sixers for the eighth seed in the East. But the Nets have been added to his list of undesirables because they still have two games against Chicago this season. The Nets' only hope -- which a team official admits is slim -- is the fact that Tellem can be very persuasive. But with the deadline looming, it appears that Thomas will have to give up a large amount of the $5.1 million he is owed in exchange for his freedom of choice; and that he would just as soon take all his money and go to the Spurs or Suns, two teams that have a role for him and are much closer to a title than the Nets can be.Vince Carter's decision to play in last night's 104-102 overtime defeat was a bit of a surprise, given how badly he moved throughout the first half (2-for-8, five points). But it turned into the right decision by the middle of the third period, when he showed how badly he wanted the game with some very acrobatic scores despite obvious pain in his right hamstring. "It felt better as the game wore on," Carter said. "Early, I was just trying to warm up, and (work on my) confidence more than anything. Anytime you run, you are going to feel something. It was kind of sore. That is the kind of thing that worried me -- mentally more than anything. Once I got it going, it was (easier) to play." Yes, Lawrence Frank saw the box score from the New Orleans-Utah game the other night and noticed Linton Johnson III going off for 17 points and 11 boards. His reaction was gracious: "I was proud of him," Frank said. "I called him the day after. He said, 'Look I had so much energy.' It's super for him. Genuinely, when you trade a guy you have relations with the guy. It's unfortunate he didn't get the opportunity he's getting there but we were proud of him."
that should read SA, Suns or Houston. For the LLE he would be a great pick up tall, quick, athletic but cant rebound for crap.. With TThomas on the wing (SF) and move TMac back to SG that would definately make us taller and younger. J
The bulls have been trying to make him available for a while. I don't know what spot he would fill but i guess if he will sign for CHEAP he could be someone we could use. I don't know if any of the NY toughness has rubbed into him yet. I wouldn't mind letting one of our unused players go for him.
based on his last season stats Tim Thomas Small Forward 6-10 12pts/3rebs/44%FG/41% 3pt It would be nice to have some length he kind of reminds me of DMiles though not really a shooter more of a slasher. Though im suprised his 3pt FG% last season was pretty good. He would be an awesome backup for TMac since we dont really have one anyways and might prove to be a good alternative to play tweener PF's to bad he cant rebound. I think tinman hates this guy for some reason. J
We could easily release Lampe or Gerald Fitch. ...and you can ALWAYS sign a player for the vet minimum regardless of your cap situation.
I have mixed emotions about this. On the one hand, he is tall, quick and athletic. On the other, he is a career under-achiever and an apparent malcontent who seems to think starting jobs are his birth-right. The price is certainly right though.
I say yes. He is a malcontent but he has got some talent and we wouldn't be paying him much after his buyout. He has got some size and athleticism and is capable of playing the 3 or 4 position. We could use help at both spots.
He can't be worse than Ryan Bowen. Let's pick him up. The worst thing is that he doesn't work out and we cut him loose.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOL... Lampe or Fitch? Are you kidding me??? Get rid of Ryan Bowen! LOL! He's the worst excuse for a "Houston Rocket!"
You know this for sure? Have a link? Whatever happened to the dude, anyway? I wouldn't have been adverse to taking a flyer on the guy. God knows, as has been mentioned, we have a spot for someone tall who can shoot the 3. Maybe he could play the zone.
