By MARC BERMAN
October 6, 2007 -- CHARLESTON, S.C. - As Isiah Thomas tries to sort out his roster glut, the Knicks president/coach strongly implied guard Fred Jones is beating out Syracuse rookie Demetris Nichols for a spot on the team.
The 6-foot-8 Nichols, a second-round pick, ticked off Knicks' brass when he did not abide by their request and spend one season in Europe with the club retaining his rights. That was the plan when they obtained his rights on draft night. But Nichols had a big summer league in Vegas and felt Europe was beneath him.
"Fred Jones has looked really good," Thomas said. "We want the best player. We're not looking at 2-3 years down the road. There was an opportunity we could've kept (Nichols') rights if he went overseas but it's a different story now. That ship has sailed."
The feedback from Knicks' brass is Nichols isn't ready to help this season, especially on defense - Thomas' preseason theme - and faces an uphill climb. Jones is a solid defender, though he doesn't shoot like Nichols. Thomas is clearly looking to win now and not trying to hoard young players any longer.
Either Jones or Nichols will be cut, along with Marist rookie point guard Jared Jordan, whom the Knicks obtained in a trade last Sunday. Jordan, who can't defend on this level, is likely headed for the D-league where the Knicks will keep tabs on his progress.
The Knicks have 17 players for 15 spots. The crowded roster will get more choked if Allan Houston joins the team Monday. He'll be a longshot to make the team.
Things could change if Knicks owner James Dolan writes a big, fat check to center Jerome James. But that would admit a big, fat mistake in signing him two years ago to a five-year, $30 million contract.
Thomas said yesterday James is not assured of being one of the 15 players, but the cutting of James remains remote, a source said.
It depends largely on young big man Randolph Morris' progress and Houston becoming the sharpshooter from pre-knee-surgery days.
James missed most of the week of practices with knee tendinitis. When asked if James is assured a spot, Thomas paused several seconds and said "No."
Then he added, "There's been no talk of a buyout. I don't foresee that happening. But you never say never in this league."
The Houston saga is bizarre. Missing the whole week of training camp in Charleston won't help Houston's longshot bid to make the team. Last week, Houston's agent, Bill Strickland, said the Knicks are his first choice. Thomas claims the Nets are still in the picture.
Why extend the invite? "It's out of respect," Thomas said. "He wants to come back and give it a shot."
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