Downplaying the Knicks' chances to acquire the NBA's two top free-agents - Kobe Bryant and Rasheed Wallace, Isiah Thomas is instead saying that the Knicks need to plug holes and will look at the mid-tier players who are available.

Some of these helpful "pieces" could include combo guard Jamal Crawford or former Knick and big-man shooter, Michael Doleac.

Doleac could possibly be had with the smaller $1.5 million exception and could give the Knicks someone to free up room on the offensive end by hitting the open shot.  He worked well with Marbury when the two played together briefly.

Teams can make contact with free-agents starting Thursday.