According to Frank Isola from the New York Daily News, it looks like Fred Jones will make the Knicks' 15 man roster, meaning that promising second-round pick Demetris Nichols and Allan Houston may miss out.

For weeks it was generally assumed that Jones, portrayed as a throw-in in the Zach Randolph trade, would be the odd man out.

But Jones' relationship with Thomas goes back to their Indiana Pacer days, and there is something to be said for being an "Isiah guy."

"He gave me my shot," Jones said following Monday's practice in Greenburgh. "Leaving Portland was a little difficult for me because that's my home city, but it eased the pain knowing I was coming to a familiar situation."

Thomas sees the 6-4 Jones as a defensive stopper who can play either shooting guard or small forward.