NEW YORK, June 12, 2007 -- Is the upcoming NBA Draft strictly a two-man show -- or is it a profoundly deep talent smorgasbord? It might actually be a little bit of both, according to New York Knicks President and Head Coach Isiah Thomas.

“The first two are super-talents up here and then there’s everyone else,” he said. “But 5-35, depending on the team’s need, you should still be able to find a player who can help you. There are players you can develop.” Given that, Thomas is likely to keep the Knicks No. 23 pick -- “That’s my intention today as we stand here,” he said -- and draft specifically for need, as opposed to go for the proverbial “best player available.”

“We’ll try to do both -- but we can possibly pass on the best player to get what we need,” Thomas said.

While Thomas said that the Knicks need “everything”, a pure-shooting perimeter popper with range and a bruising inside banger-defender to complement Eddy Curry’s offensive skills up front are widely thought of as probable Knicks priorities for June 28th.

Though Thomas was said to be impressed with sharp-shooting 6-6 Rice guard Morris Almond’s workout, he discouraged any Allan Houston comparisons. “There is no Allan Houston in this draft,” he shook his head. “That’s a different kind, when you’re talking about shooting the basketball. No offense, but there are no shooters like him.”

‘’We’re not looking for saviors in this draft,” said Thomas. “But we are looking for players capable of contributing if not immediately than one or two years down the road.”

As for his attempt to acquire a superstar (think Jermaine O’Neal) in a trade over the off-season, Thomas said, ”There are players who are still out there who publicly stated they want to be traded. I’m open.”

Meanwhile, the Knicks President is enjoying the unusual joint draft workouts with the Nets. “We talk a lot about our families,” he laughed. “It’s worked out really well. They’ve been very kind and gracious to us.”

The injured Knicks -- which included most of the big contributors on the team by the end of last season -- ”all look great,” according to Thomas. ”David Lee looks good, fully recovered. Channing (Frye) is working out two or three times a day. Got good reports on ‘Q”. Nate Robinson told me he and Jamal (Crawford) played in a tournament out there (in Seattle). He had 50, Jamal had 54, and he had a tough time guarding Jamal. And I said ‘that sounds familiar, Nate.’”

However, another familiar face, Patrick Ewing, is not likely to join the Knicks this season. “The staff is pretty full right now,” said Thomas. “We probably still have one more assistant than we really need. So I don’t think I will bring in anyone at this time.’’