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The Atlanta Hawks today claimed center John Thomas off of waivers, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Billy Knight.

Thomas, in his sixth NBA season from the University of Minnesota, began this season with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he averaged 1.3 ppg and 0.3 rpg in three contests (2-2 FGs). He originally signed with the Grizzlies on October 3, and was waived on November 22.

The rugged 6-foot-9 center has also spent time with Boston, Toronto and Minnesota. He was originally selected in the first round of the 1997 NBA Draft (25th overall) by the New York Knicks.

As a senior, he captained the University of Minnesota to the 1997 NCAA Final Four. Thomas was born on September 8, 1975 in Minneapolis, MN. He will wear uniform no. 25.