http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/58491.htm

December 7, 2005 -- SEATTLE — The Knicks yesterday signed a reeling
reclamation project. Qyntel Woods, the 6-foot-8 athletic small forward who
comes with a litany of past transgressions, claimed to be a changed man
yesterday.

While the signing smacks of another Isiah Thomas gamble, the Knicks president
revealed Larry Brown pushed this move to fill the Knicks' open roster spot
created by Matt Barnes' release.

In fact, Thomas didn't sound fully convinced. "He's a talent, but it's kind
of 50-50," said Thomas. "It's hit or miss. No one's questioned his
basketball-playing ability. His character has been questioned."

It's a low-risk move. According to source, Woods signed a non-guaranteed deal
at the league minimum ($350,000). His contract doesn't become guaranteed
until Jan. 10.

Woods, 24, was charged in 2003 with marijuana possession and pled guilty last
January to first-degree misdemeanor, linked to raising pitbulls for
dog-fighting. According to Portland police reports, Woods told an officer he
was addicted to marijuana.

The Celtics, who obtained him in the Antoine Walker deal in August, waived
him before training camp. Woods, selected with the 21st pick by Portland four
years ago, sounded humbled. He was not activated for last night's game, still
not in shape.

"I got to prove to everybody I'm not a bad guy," Woods said. "I'm still
working on that now, by going out playing hard, doing what I'm supposed to be
doing, staying out of trouble on and off the court. The past is over. I made
a lot of mistakes."

Woods, out of Northeast Mississippi Junior College, was slated as a lottery
pick but fell to No. 21 after rumors about drug use and lack of defense.

"Defensively, I don't know what kind of defender he is," Thomas said. "In
college, he scored the basketball a lot and he was a highlight film in terms
of points. He didn't play much 'D,' so I don't know if Coach [Brown] is going
to like that."

Brown has known Woods since his buddy Memphis coach John Calipari signed him
to a letter of intent. Brown said he also received a recommendation from his
brother, Herb Brown, who coached Woods with the Blazers.

"Isiah liked him in the draft and I thought we can take a look at him," Brown
said. "A lot of people thought he was a top 10 talent. How are we going to
have that chance?"

Not this June. The Bulls will get the Knicks' potential lottery pick. "We're
hoping he's here not just for this year but around for a while," Thomas said.

Mark Termini, Woods' agent, said, "I couldn't find a better situation than
this," Termini said. "This is what he needs at this stage of his career; to
be with Larry."