CLEVELAND — Solomon Jones is 6-foot-10, athletic, can block shots and rebound. That’s all the desperate Knicks need right now as they go through a big-man crisis.
Yesterday they tried to add some frontcourt oomph with the signing of Jones, a journeyman big man who returned from China on March 10 after getting released by the Suns in the preseason.
He made his debut Friday night, playing 12 quiet minutes in the Knicks’ 101-91 win without taking a shot and finishing with one rebound and two turnovers.
“He was rusty and a little nervous, but he gave me an extra big body to play,” coach Mike Woodson said.
The Knicks are without Tyson Chandler (neck) and Kenyon Martin (ankle) for the short term and are hopeful Rasheed Wallace (foot) can get back early in the playoffs. Wallace has stepped up his on-court shooting and workouts.
Deeming him unable to return in time for the playoffs, the Knicks waived Kurt Thomas (stress fracture) Friday.
The Knicks’ preference was to finish a deal with 6-foot-8 James Singleton, whom they regarded as more skilled and having a better jump shot. But the deal crashed when Singleton’s Chinese team proved uncooperative in giving him clearance to play immediately in the NBA, according to a source.
Jones is more a lunch-pail type. He played for Woodson in Atlanta, getting limited minutes in three seasons. He has played 268 career games.
“I’m in pretty good shape, not quite game shape,’’ Jones said. “I played in China, been home like a month. I’ll be in game shape in no time.
“I’m an energy guy. I just try to bring energy. I come out there and bring energy, run the floor, rebound, block shots, set packs for my teammates to get open shots.“It’s a chance for me to showcase my talent to [Woodson], which I didn’t really get to do that in Atlanta,’’ Jones said. “I’m really looking forward to that.’’
* Woodson said Thomas has an open invitation to join his staff next season. Thomas was the league’s oldest player at age 40.
Woodson said he enjoyed the experience of coaching Thomas, who never complained about playing time, was always ready when called upon and stayed healthy until mid-March. At the team’s lowest moment, when the club discovered Thomas had a bone spur and suspected a stress fracture as well, Thomas agreed to suit up in Utah on March 18. He logged 27 hard-working minutes in the post and helped the Knicks beat the Jazz to break a four-game losing skid and ignite a 13-game winning streak.
“He and I are on the same page if he ever wants to coach next season,’’ Woodson said. “He’s a been a total pro. It kind of jump-started us [the Utah win], and I’m indebted to Kurt as a coach. If he ever wants a job coaching, I’ll bring him back and let him coach if that’s what he wants to do.”
In a statement, general manager Glen Grunwald said, “Kurt’s contributions to the Knicks have been immeasurable. From the first day of training camp, to his last game against the Utah Jazz, Kurt has been a key contributor to our team.”
* Windy City native Iman Shumpert was seen crying at Thursday morning’s shootaround in Chicago. He had just been told of the passing of his friend Billy Taylor, a basketball recruiter well known in Chicago, reportedly killed in a hit-and-run. Shumpert had spent Wednesday night with Taylor, who worked closely with Shumpert’s agent, Happy Walters.