Thomas shocked the basketball world by selecting Balkman with the 20th pick over Williams, who torched the Knicks for 11 points in the game's first five minutes Friday in their win over the Nets.
When Isiah was asked after the game how he thought Balkman did, Thomas gave a strange but telling answer.
"He's a very unique player. When we drafted him, I knew he was unique. I haven't quite figured out what to do with him. So we let him do a lot of things because he's capable of doing a lot of things. But if you ask me specifically what it is he does, I couldn't tell you. I just know he's kind of everywhere. We just let him be everywhere.''
His dreadlocks flying around, Balkman scored 11 points with 7 rebounds in 15 minutes. He's always around the ball, blocking a shot, getting a board, slinking free underneath for a pass and layup. He even drained a 3-pointer from the corner after which he did a little dance.
Had it not been for the signing of Jared Jeffries, there's no question Balkman would have earned minutes in the rotation. Now, with Quentin Richardson having a strong camp, Thomas had given strong hints Balkman may be out of the rotation. That is, unless they trade Quentin.