Knicks president of basketball operations Isiah Thomas has generated enthusiasm in New York since taking over for Scott Layden on Dec. 22. He acquired Stephon Marbury in a blockbuster deal with the Phoenix Suns and hired a Hall of Fame coach in Lenny Wilkens. Madison Square Garden is buzzing.

But there is no rest for the weary. The Knicks entered their game against the Hawks four games from the Atlantic Division lead, and Thomas desires to add a low-post presence.

"That's an area we'd like to get better at -- being able to ball down there," Thomas said. "Control the game from the paint as opposed to the perimeter."

Rumors have circulated in New York that Thomas has interest in Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Thomas didn't single out any players Friday, but he hasn't hid his desire for Portland forward Rasheed Wallace.

"You always try to improve," he said. "That being said, at this point we don't have anything on the table."