Knicks coach Mike Woodson put on his no-nonsense cap yesterday and warned if any player on his team is upset about playing time, they can write their ticket out of the Big Apple.
Not only are the Knicks the only unbeaten team in the NBA at a stunning 4-0, they are also the deepest.
The Knicks, off until Tuesday in Orlando, have unprecedented depth and the jostle for minutes will become extreme, especially when Amar’e Stoudemire returns in mid-December. It gets even worse when projected starting shooting guard Iman Shumpert returns in January.
The crunch already began Friday night when center Marcus Camby’s season debut bounced 40-year-old power forward Kurt Thomas into a DNP. Thomas played all six preseason games, and even started. Thomas averaged 13.7 minutes in the first three regular-season wins.
Though Thomas took his demotion with grace, Woodson fired a warning shot yesterday, perhaps trying to nip things in the bud before Stoudemire’s return.
“My first speech when we finally had our team dinner before our camp, I told everybody they have to leave their egos at the door,’’ Woodson said. “If we’re talking about trying to win a title and winning at a high level, winning our division and hosting the first round at home, you got to leave your egos at the door.
“I’m not going to deal with guys with bad egos. If there’s a problem, they got to go. It’s been great so far and will continue to be great because the guys we have are true pros.”
The Stoudemire issue is the elephant in the room. Fans and media are speculating he won’t start when he returns from left knee surgery. If that happens, the $100 million man may not take it well.
The 6-foot-9 Thomas, despite only being a spare part in the Raymond Felton trade, had earned playing time because of his defensive sturdiness. However, his mid-range jumper isn’t as consistent as it was in his first stint. Rasheed Wallace, who played 18 minutes in Friday’s win over Dallas, gives Woodson more upside, more 3-point shooting and more length at 6-foot-11.
“I don’t owe anybody minutes,’’ Woodson said. “I’m trying to win games. It’s all about winning. If he’s a true pro, which he is, it’s no biggie.’’
Thomas, who has enormous pride, was a helpful piece on the 2010-11 Bulls club that finished with the best record in the league. Last season, Thomas played in 53 of 66 games for the Blazers, but hasn’t averaged more than 22 minutes the past four seasons.
“We didn’t talk about it,’’ Thomas said. “I’ve been playing this game a long time. I know we’re a very deep team. We have a lot of talent on this roster and we’re trying to work some guys in. Whenever [Woodson] is ready, he knows I’m ready to go. We’re deep. A lot of people think we’re old but we have a lot of guys who can get it done. Once Amar’e comes back, guys will have to adjust with minutes on the floor again.’’
Woodson said Stoudemire attends the facility daily for treatment and is not on crutches. He also attends games but doesn’t sit on the bench, preferring the trainer’s room. Stoudemire has not spoken to the media since he made his preseason debut Oct. 19 in Montreal and hasn’t played since.
One theory on why Stoudemire would be better as a reserve is it leaves thriving Carmelo Anthony at power forward. Plus, the tandem still hasn’t meshed together on the court.
Shumpert’s return mostly would impact effective Ronnie Brewer and point guard Pablo Prigioni.
“The beauty about fielding all these veteran guys, they’ve got to be understanding, coachable and they are,’’ Woodson said. “It’s no biggie to Kurt. Kurt’s whole deal is, ‘I’ll be ready when you call me.’ That’s how it’s got to be with everybody. It’s not about getting minutes. It’s about what you do when you get them. He didn’t get them last night, but who knows? He could get them the next game.’’