as per the Post



BROWN: SIGNING QYNTEL WORTH THE RISK
By MARC BERMAN

SEATTLE — The Knicks yesterday signed a reeling reclamation project. Qyntel Woods, the 6-foot-8 athletic small forward who comes with a litany of past transgressions, claimed to be a changed man yesterday.

While the signing smacks of another Isiah Thomas gamble, the Knicks president revealed Larry Brown pushed this move to fill the Knicks' open roster spot created by Matt Barnes' release.

In fact, Thomas didn't sound fully convinced. "He's a talent, but it's kind of 50-50," said Thomas. "It's hit or miss. No one's questioned his basketball-playing ability. His character has been questioned."

It's a low-risk move. According to source, Woods signed a non-guaranteed deal at the league minimum ($350,000). His contract doesn't become guaranteed until Jan. 10.

Woods, 24, was charged in 2003 with marijuana possession and pled guilty last January to first-degree misdemeanor, linked to raising pitbulls for dog-fighting. According to Portland police reports, Woods told an officer he was addicted to marijuana.

The Celtics, who obtained him in the Antoine Walker deal in August, waived him before training camp. Woods, selected with the 21st pick by Portland four years ago, sounded humbled. He was not activated for last night's game, still not in shape.

"I got to prove to everybody I'm not a bad guy," Woods said. "I'm still working on that now, by going out playing hard, doing what I'm supposed to be doing, staying out of trouble on and off the court. The past is over. I made a lot of mistakes."

Woods, out of Northeast Mississippi Junior College, was slated as a lottery pick but fell to No. 21 after rumors about drug use and lack of defense.

"Defensively, I don't know what kind of defender he is," Thomas said. "In college, he scored the basketball a lot and he was a highlight film in terms of points. He didn't play much 'D,' so I don't know if Coach [Brown] is going to like that."

Brown has known Woods since his buddy Memphis coach John Calipari signed him to a letter of intent. Brown said he also received a recommendation from his brother, Herb Brown, who coached Woods with the Blazers.

"Isiah liked him in the draft and I thought we can take a look at him," Brown said. "A lot of people thought he was a top 10 talent. How are we going to have that chance?"

Not this June. The Bulls will get the Knicks' potential lottery pick. "We're hoping he's here not just for this year but around for a while," Thomas said.

Mark Termini, Woods' agent, said, "I couldn't find a better situation than this," Termini said. "This is what he needs at this stage of his career; to be with Larry."





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I guess he wont get pt until he is in shape and has practiced with the team more, but then again that didnt stop larry from playing james. I hope larry knows what he is doing, or that his plan to get zeke fired takes effect quickly.

[Edited by - SlimPack on 12-07-2005 09:25 AM]

At least we didn't give up any more picks

Why is signing Woods any kind of news. If he becomes a good player it's good. If he becomes a disruption he is cut. Who cares? What's teh controversy?

So does pointing a gun at your wife and that guy makes the all-star team every year. Athletes will always get special treatment and 3rd and 4th chances. It's sick but that's life. I don't think Woods will have more than one chance in NY.

Posted by Bippity10:

So does pointing a gun at your wife and that guy makes the all-star team every year. Athletes will always get special treatment and 3rd and 4th chances. It's sick but that's life. I don't think Woods will have more than one chance in NY.

I laugh now at who people now are "disgusted by". J-Kidd is the most classic example right now. Funny how many loved Jason Williams but before mudering his limo driver, the guy abuse dogs too and it was widely written about and the guy still got love (btw, is torturing POWs no longer acceptable). Nothing surprises me anymore. Raising pit bulls to fight isn't the worst thing I heard of (I still don't get the notion of bull fighting, when does the bull actually win), **** fights are troubling. If the guy can play then by all means sign him.

yeah those are definitely Isiah's words. Larry is just trying to save Isiah's bacon since he has signed yet another reclamation project that most likely won't work out

when in doubt blame Isiah

Are you guys even reading the article?

Brown has known Woods since his buddy Memphis coach John Calipari signed him to a letter of intent. Brown said he also received a recommendation from his brother, Herb Brown, who coached Woods with the Blazers.

That pretty much tells the story of who signed him.

Posted by TheloniusMonk:

But one poster said 'it's a classless move by a classless GM.' How can this be Larry's call?

[Edited by - rvhoss on 12-07-2005 1:52 PM]

The good thing is that Isiah likes his talent and I trust Isiah's eye for that. Combine that with LB's familiarity with Woods and you got yourself a good risk and no lose situation.

Lets see if Brown can convince Woods to play "the right way". He has talent, but its his character that will make this the turning point of his career or the end of it. Lets hope he can turn it around. He won't find a better teacher to help him turn it around than Brown...

As long as he does not "dog" it on defense, he has a shot!

Im sure Isiah will have him on a short "leash".

If he does not "chase his tail" in practice, he might earn playing time.

If he rains it "cats and dogs', he can be an asset.

Calipari thought he was "doggone" good!

NBA is a "dog eat dog world"!

Bet he can't wait to get his "paws" on the court!





[Edited by - nalod on 12-07-2005 2:30 PM]