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Playing in his third year with the Knicks, Thomas finally put together a relatively healthy campaign, playing in 73 games after logging less than 60 in each of the prior two seasons. The seven-year veteran still played just a minor role off the bench though and actually saw his smallest workload since playing in just 10 games during the 2013-14 season. Thomas finished the year averaging just 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds across 18.5 minutes. While the Knicks are set to be without Kristaps Porzingis (knee) for at least the first few months of the upcoming season, Thomas still doesn't stand to see a significant uptick in his minutes. The Knicks brought in Mario Hezonja in free agency and also nabbed Kevin Knox with the ninth overall pick in the draft, both of whom should slot in above him on the depth chart. Fantasy owners can go ahead and avoid Thomas in the majority of leagues, though if he does get more run than expected, Thomas could be a source of three-pointers after shooting above 40 percent from deep in each of the last three years.
Thomas saw his role fluctuate greatly on a game-to-game basis throughout the 2016-17 campaign. However, it was an orbital fracture and a hip injury that ultimately derailed his season. He played in just 46 games overall, including 15 starts, though he added averages of just 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds across 21.0 minutes. That marked his smallest workload over the last three seasons. Still, Thomas did show plenty of promise as a three-point shooter, as he finished the year shooting a career-best 44.7 percent from deep. With Carmelo Anthony likely on his way out of New York, that three-point ability alone could earn Thomas some more looks in the regular rotation. That said, Thomas will likely once again come off the bench behind Kristaps Porzingis at power forward and with added competition in the form of Michael Beasley, it's unlikely Thomas is able to improve much on his 2016-17 averages. That should keep him as a non-factor in most Fantasy leagues.
Re-signed to a one-year, $1.6 million contract this offseason, Thomas was traded to the Knicks in January of last season and proceeded to average 8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 26 minutes per game across 40 appearances for New York. Although that stint brought career-best numbers virtually across the board from Thomas, such production was inflated due to the Knicks' mostly anemic roster, which allowed a competent yet limited player like Thomas to make 24 starts. At 27 years old, the small forward has averaged just 17 minutes during his four-year career and figures to be restricted to a deep bench role in his second season in New York, thus warranting little fantasy consideration from prospective owners.
Thomas started 19 games for the Pelicans over the past two seasons but was waived in the offseason. The Duke product eventually returned to New Orleans on a non-guaranteed deal. If he makes the team, Thomas likely won't see much action, barring injuries to the forwards ahead of him on the depth chart.
Signed last season and appearing in 42 games (starting 10), Thomas averaged 3.0 rpg and 4.0 ppg. As a backup small forward, Thomas looks to be in a position battle with Darius Miller for a reserve role.