Isiah Thomas wasn't kidding when he said he'd be "unconventional" in rebuilding the Knicks.
Troubled Leon Smith, a former first-round pick out of high school who's burning up the CBA, will become Thomas' first player acquisition, possibly by today, sources said.

Smith, 24, left his CBA team, the Gary (Ind.) Steelheads, yesterday to fly to New York for an official "48-hour tryout." Smith is expected to take a physical and meet with Thomas.

Smith is a 6-10, 235-pound forward/center who last played in the NBA for the Hawks in 2001, then coached by Knick assistant Lon Kruger. Smith had a rough Chicago childhood after his mother abandoned him when he was 5 and lived in state custody at several children homes. When with the Mavericks, in 1999, he attempted suicide by reportedly swallowing 250 aspirin

"He's as close to being ready for the NBA than since I've been with him," Gary coach Dwayne Ticknor told The Post. "He's matured."

"As a manager you have to come in and manage the situation," said Thomas. "You have to inspire and motivate. It's not about fear. It's really about inspiring."