IFWT Kurt Thomas

The New York Knicks waived veteran forward Kurt Thomas on Friday.  His time with the team isn’t done however as coach Mike Woodson offered him a special job.  Read more after the jump.

Shay Marie

According to the NY  Post:

Deeming him unable to return in time for the playoffs, the Knicks waived Kurt Thomas (stress fracture) Friday.

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.”