Isiah's vision for the Knicks is a team that complements Marbury's skills. Isiah prefers tough-minded and quick players who can touch the ceiling. He wants forwards who can fill the lanes on the break and run with the point guard. He likes defenders who can make things happen with a blocked shot or a stop. He likes Dennis Rodmans and John Salleys, a pair of pogo sticks who helped Thomas win two championships in Detroit.

Van Horn doesn't exactly fit the description.

The tricky job for Isiah is convincing some team that Van Horn, still owed two more years and $30 million, will help them. Not many would be willing to take on that contract. Among the few who might are the Trail Blazers, who are anxious to dump a headache named Rasheed Wallace. If Isiah succeeds in moving Van Horn, he'll probably have to take a risky player in return. In order to stick to the goal of making the playoffs this season, Thomas might do it.