Mike

Sweetney

Penny Hardaway is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Sweetney has been dealing with a sore thumb and fatigue, similar to that plaguing fellow youngster Trevor Ariza. However, both players seemed to break through that wall Wednesday, prompting coach Lenny Wilkens to say, “We got great play from Sweetney and Trevor got us going the way he was playing earlier. They will play a lot of minutes as long as they’re playing well.”

The New York Post puts it like this: Nazr Mohammed is playing with a sore groin and not getting it done. Sweetney showed the monster he can be Wednesday on the offensive glass. Sweetney has the best post game on the team, and Kurt Thomas excelled as a center two seasons ago. The Thomas/Sweetney unit often finishes games, so why not start them?

Sweetney received a standing ovation when he came out of the game midway through the fourth quarter. Sweetney’s contributions were needed as Kurt Thomas went just 1-for-7 with two points after signing a contract extension earlier in the day.

It’s possible the Knicks, who are still looking to deal and make a playoff push, want to showcase Sweetney, who was the ninth pick in the 2003 draft. If Isiah Thomas can deal Sweetney, the Knicks might bring Sundov back from the CBA if they still have a roster spot.

Even with all Chicago’s signings, they still feel they are lacking a true offensive weapon in the post. Sweetney started out well last season, but was stuck in coach Scott Skiles doghouse most of the second half because of poor conditioning and inconsistent play.

We’re guessing none of these contracts are guaranteed and that they’re simply camp invitees. Maybe one of them will make the final roster, and Sweetney would appear to have the best shot.

Sweetney has been in and out of camps with several teams over the last few years and he may have played his last game in the NBA.

Kurt Thomas continued to start over Sweetney. He had four points and six rebounds in 19 minutes.

Kurt Thomas is clearly outplaying Sweetney at the moment. He had 16 points and nine rebounds in 27 minutes tonight.