Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

Count Lance Thomas among the NBA players who are surprised that Carmelo Anthony isn't on an NBA roster.

"I think he deserves to end up on a team. A guy of his caliber is someone who has always been a standup guy in the league. He's given amazing basketball memories to the NBA, has affected almost every teammate he's ever had in a positive way, and always has a smile on his face," Thomas said Friday at Nets Media Day. "I think he does deserve to play on a team. I think it's unfortunate what's happening. But you're not going to take the smile off his face even if you tried."

Thomas signed with the Nets on Friday. His addition puts Brooklyn's roster entering training camp at 20 players - the maximum allowed under NBA guidelines. So the Nets would need to waive someone to add Anthony, which seems unlikely at this point.

Thomas, who played with Anthony during his Knicks tenure, was asked on Friday if he's surprised that the 10-time All Star isn't on a roster.

"I think the world is surprised," Thomas said. "I don't know enough to speak on it. But I can speak on the character that Melo has, how hard he works, how great of a teammate he is. I think the world of him and I think that he does deserve a chance to lace them up again."

Anthony and the Houston Rockets parted ways after just 10 games last season. He worked out with some Nets in Los Angeles in the offseason and several Nets players were in favor of the club adding Anthony, though that doesn't seem likely at this point.

Thomas worked out with Anthony during the offseason and said he's in great shape.

"I think it's the best his body looks. He has the first step back. It looks like he's having fun playing the game again," Thomas said. "That's all I really hope for him is that he's happy playing the game and not worry about things he has no control over."

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