NEW YORK -- Dealing from weakness, Isiah Thomas was able to obtain Stephon Marbury when the Knicks were sinking out of the standings because he was willing to relinquish draft picks, youth and desirable contracts.
Thomas also had to agree to assume the colossal commitment to Penny Hardaway, who hasn't played this well since Tyra Banks dumped him.
Sometimes you make your own luck. Other times you get leveraged into it.