Isiah Thomas reacted to the news of Jamal Crawford's impending absence from his Knick rotation and told the media what to expect in the starting lineup.

Quentin Richardson will slide to the two-guard spot and Jared Jeffries will be inserted into the starting lineup at the small forward position.  Thomas will rely on Nate Robinson and rookie Mardy Collins in the backcourt off the bench.  Rookie Renaldo Balkman will also have an increased role.  Thomas says he does not expect to sign a free agent.

Howard Beck of the New York Times speculates that Channing Frye could also join the starting lineup given the need for scoring with Crawford down.

Crawford is likely lost for at least the regular season with surgery to repair a stress fracture to his right ankle.  He could return for the playoffs if the Knicks get there.

?Believe me, we?re not going to go in the tank,? Thomas said. ?It?s a devastating injury for him personally, but I remember there was an old sign in the Boston Garden, and I remember reading it every time I went in. It said, ?We will not be denied.? That?s our motto, and that?s our stance right now.?