Skyforce's Thomas called up to Minnesota
January 10, 2005 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1) News Release
Boise, ID (January 10, 2005) â Sioux Falls Skyforce forward John Thomas has signed with the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, it was announced today by the Continental Basketball Association League Office and Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale. The signing marks the sixth CBA-to-NBA call-up of the 2004-05 season.
Thomas ranked 4th in the league in rebounding with 10.1 rebounds per game, and 7th in field-goal percentage (.559, 123 of 220) in 20 games played (19 started) for the Skyforce. He also added 16.3 points per game, along with 37 assists, 17 steals and 14 blocked shots in 35.4 minutes played per contest. In six games with the Dakota Wizards during the 2002-03 season, Thomas posted 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 21.6 minutes per contest.
Prior to signing with the Skyforce this season, Thomas appeared in six preseason games for the Timberwolves, averaging 3.7 points (.500 FG%) and 4.2 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game. He was signed as a free agent by Minnesota on October 4 and was waived by the team on November 1.
The University of Minnesota alum was selected in the first round (25th overall) of the 1997 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, before being traded to the Boston Celtics. He was again traded to the Toronto Raptors later in the 1997-98 season. In 148 career NBA games, Thomas holds NBA averages of 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, along with 41 assists, 35 blocked shots and 51 steals.
Thomas is filling a roster spot left open when the Timberwolves placed forward Mark Madsen on the Injured List with a fractured left thumb.
2004-05 CBA-to-NBA Call-Ups
(Season total = 6)
Date Player CBA Team NBA Team
11/24/04 Britton Johnsen Idaho Stampede Indiana Pacers
12/4/04 Corsley Edwards Sioux Falls Skyforce New Orleans Hornets
12/8/04 Kaniel Dickens Idaho Stampede New Jersey Nets
12/12/04 Lonny Baxter Yakima Sun Kings New Orleans Hornets
1/4/05 Darrick Martin Michigan Mayhem Los Angeles Clippers
1/10/05 John Thomas Sioux Falls Skyforce Minnesota Timberwolves
FORMER CBA PLAYERS ON 2004-05 NBA ROSTERS
Total roster spots held by former CBA players on 2004-05 NBA regular season rosters: 50
Total number of former CBA players on 2004-05 NBA rosters during the regular season: 46
Total roster spots held by former CBA players on 2004-05 NBA opening night rosters: 38
Total number of former CBA players on 2004-05 NBA training camp rosters: 65
Atlanta (0): (Anthony "Pig" Miller)
Boston (1): Mark Blount
Chicago (1): Adrian Griffin
Cleveland (2): Jeff McInnis, Ira Newble
Dallas (1): Darrel Armstrong
Denver (3): Earl Boykins, Greg Buckner, Voshon Lenard, (Mark Pope)
Detroit (1): Anthony Goldwire, (William "Smush" Parker)
Golden State (0): (Ansu Sesay)
Houston (1): David Wesley
Indiana (3): Michael Curry, Eddie Gill, Stephen Jackson, (Tremaine Fowlkes),
(Britton Johnsen)
L.A. Clippers (3): Rick Brunson, Mikki Moore, Darrick Martin
L.A. Lakers (1): Chucky Atkins
Miami (1): Damon Jones
Milwaukee (2): Zendon Hamilton, Mike James, (Anthony Goldwire)
Minnesota (3): Anthony Carter, Troy Hudson, John Thomas
New Jersey (1): Rodney Buford, (Kaniel Dickens), (Aaron Williams)
New Orleans (4): Junior Harrington, Lee Nailon, Corsley Edwards, (Lonny Baxter),
(Darrell Armstrong), (David Wesley)
New York (2): Moochie Norris, Bruno Sundov
Philadelphia (2): Josh Davis, Kevin Ollie
Phoenix (0): (Paul Shirley)
San Antonio (2): Bruce Bowen, Linton Johnson
Toronto (2): Rafer Alston, Aaron Williams
Utah (2): Raja Bell, Keith McLeod
( ) Indicates player was waived or traded during the regular season
Indicates 2003-04 CBA player, or 2004-05 CBA-to-NBA call-up
Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from January 10, 2005
- CBA Transactions - CBA 1
- Skyforce's Thomas called up to Minnesota - CBA 1
- Four Steelheads selected for 21st Annual CBA All-Star Game - Gary Steelheads
- 2005 Eastern Conference All-Stars announced - CBA 1
- Mack and Parmer earn Player of the Week honors - CBA 1
- Daleo named coach of CBA Eastern All-Stars - Rockford Lightning
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