Nets Expected to Bring Billy Thomas Up from D-League

[ZAE]

Nets Expected to Bring Billy Thomas Up from D-League
December 23, 2007, 3:24 pm Steve Popper and Al Iannazzone of the Record report the Nets are expected to take out some “insurance” on Antoine Wright’s ankle…in the person of Billy Thomas, a 6′-5″ swingman. He broke into the NBA with the Nets in 2005 and is now playing for the team’s D-League affiliate, the Colorado 14ers. Thomas, 32, has a reputation as a long-range shooter and defender. He has played in Europe as well as the D-League.

NBDL Player Profile - Billy Thomas - - NBDL

NBA Player Profile - Billy Thomas - - NBA.com

Twice as Nice - Al Iannazzone - In the 'Zzone

http://www.netsdaily.com/

 

[ToddMacCulloch11]

welcome back billy

 

[soul driver]

hm...so the wright injury can be more serious than we thought. How long will we have Thomas for? And is it possible to somehow get rid of Allen or Mags and pick up Benson?

 

[furnace]

Go Billy!

Always liked this guy while he was here...

 

[SportsTicker]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (furnace @ Dec 23 2007, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Go Billy!

Always liked this guy while he was here...</div>

He can shoot and defend.

At worst, he is Antoine Wright insurance. At best, he is Eddie House. He hit better than 40% from the arc...using his unorthdox shooting style.

When he was signed in 2005, it was right after RJ went down in Detroit and he had a couple of very good games, particularly one against the Warriors where he single-handedly turned the game around late.

He has played basketball in North and South America (Argentina), Asia (Philippines) and Europe (most recently Greece and Serbia). Both Kidd and Carter liked him when he was here...in part because of his love of the game.

On the other hand, he is cheap...and represents the Nets' unwillingness to step outside their system.

It may also signify that the Nets are going to make a small deal. The combination of his contract and that of Eddie Gill puts the Nets perilously close to the luxury tax threshold. One way to get under it is to deal Magloire for a player making less money. I don't know...maybe I'm extrapolating way too much from a minor signing that hasn't even happened yet.

 

[Jizzy]

ummm... couldnt we have signed someone better. wish we had gone after Devin brown when noone wanted him this summer

 

[ghoti]

"That's a - B -- T -- Threeeeeeeee!"

 

[xcalibur]

didnt see this move coming. billy played ok for the time he was here. at least frank knows his game enough to feel somewhat comfortable playing billy. who knows, maybe billy can become one of those feel good stories guys. come up from DLeague and make a nice impact. welcome back billy.

 

[Universe]

We are so cheap. Least we got someone already familiar with our system and well liked by Kidd and Carter.

I still think Kittles could pull off 40 games or so.

 

[pegs]

Great! Another old dude! Is PJ, Webber, Best, and Payton still around? Let's release all our young players and sign them, too.

 

[Real]

Talk about a hell of a birthday present for Billy Thomas. Gets called up to the NBA to play with Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson.

 

[zєяσ]

I wish we had signed Charlie Bell instead of Magloire.

 

[King John da FiF]

I'm pretty sure they could have done better.

 

[SportsTicker]

He is a third year player so his contract will be $770,000 pro-rated, meaning that the Nets will only be charged a percentage of that amount, depending on how many games he plays.

There are cheaper players. For example, a rookie would get a $427,000 contract pro-rated. I think this is a short term deal...but I would not be surprised if something else (small) is in the works as well.

His advantages are that he knows the system--and about half the team, can shoot, can defend, is physically and mentally strong and will be grateful to Frank who gave him his first shot in 2005. After RJ went down in 2005, Frank recommended him, having coached him in the summer league for two years while an assistant.

 

[jarkid]

I don't mind bring him back. We are just lack of swingmen right now.

 

[cpawfan]

How effective will he be without his partner in crime Vaughn?

As far as the luxury tax calculations, it is worth noting that

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>For players who signed as free agents (i.e., not draft picks), and make less than the two-year minimum salary, the minimum salary for a two-year veteran is used in place of their actual salary.</div>

 

[SportsTicker]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Dec 23 2007, 09:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>How effective will he be without his partner in crime Vaughn?

As far as the luxury tax calculations, it is worth noting that

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>For players who signed as free agents (i.e., not draft picks), and make less than the two-year minimum salary, the minimum salary for a two-year veteran is used in place of their actual salary.</div>
</div>

Good points, but alas, there were no openings on the luxury tax strapped Spurs for Billy.

It always amazes me that none of those great Kansas teams ever went as far as predicted.

 

[ghoti]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (L @ Dec 23 2007, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I wish we had signed Charlie Bell instead of Magloire.

</div>

Bucks would have matched.

But they could try and steal him now that his value is at rock bottom.

 

[GMJ]

It's great that he can defend and shoot, but how well? Is a d-leaguer who couldn't make any other team really going to come in and lock a guy down, or start draining threes?