"David Lee never had a problem with Isiah Thomas, nor does he believe his former coach is responsible for all the Knicks' recent shortcomings.

But like many outside observers, the All-Star forward, who was traded to Golden State on July 9, is "really surprised" Thomas was rehired by the Knicks last week as a consultant.

"Whether right or wrong, Isiah was cast as the person that was the reason things went downhill in the last six or seven years," said Lee, who was in New York Monday for his basketball camp and to collect his belongings from the Knicks' training facility in Greenburgh. "Now to bring that back is something I didn't expect."

Lee was drafted by Thomas in 2005 - a steal at 30th overall - and the Knicks' only All-Star in nine years admits there's a certain amount of appreciation, if not loyalty. Lee said he "liked" Thomas as a coach, although he wasn't as sold on his general managing skills."