Ex-Gopher John Thomas Signs with Timberwolves

Sioux Falls Skyforce forward and ex-Minnesota Gopher John Thomas has signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The signing marks the sixth CBA-to-NBA call-up of the 2004-05 season.

John Thomas ranked fourth in the CBA in rebounding with 10.1 rebounds per game, and seventh 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.