NBA

Knicks rookie Leslie looking to prove his skeptics wrong

LAS VEGAS — Tim Hardaway Jr. believes the Knicks netted two first-round picks during the June 27 NBA Draft.

The Knicks selected the Michigan shooting guard star at No. 24, and in a pleasant surprise to the organization, they were able to sign North Carolina State’s C.J. Leslie after he fell out of the draft.

The Knicks had the athletic 6-foot-9 combo forward on their board at 24. Hardaway and Leslie will debut tomorrow for the Knicks summer league team at UNLV.

“We played against each other in the [Big Ten]-ACC game,’’ Hardaway said. “He is really athletic. Played with a pro in John Wall [in prep school]. He got talent, athleticism, skill and potential to be a great player in this league. I’m surprised really [he fell out of the draft]. I thought he’d be drafted in the first round.’’

Leslie, who averaged 15.1 points his junior year, said the Knicks told him they were looking to trade up a few spots in the draft for him with the assumption Hardaway would be gone.

“I was definitely surprised,’’ Leslie said. “I think everybody was surprised. It adds fuel to the fire. But I’m just trying to get past that draft.’’

Leslie said he only worked out for the Knicks and the Suns because of a jammed ligament in his hip that still isn’t 100 percent. He shut it down after the Knicks workout and that could have scared off some teams.

Scouts have told The Post Leslie occasionally didn’t have a high motor during games.

About seven teams looked to sign Leslie, but he chose the Knicks, who offered him a two-year deal at the league minimum.

“I felt like I connected with the coaches the most,’’ Leslie said. “I turned down better offers.’’

Regarding the scouting skeptics, Leslie said, “Every game I was supposed to show up in I showed up in. I don’t think it’s a question of my talent. I don’t know if they have a wrong impression. Stuff gets spread that’s not necessarily true. ‘’

Coach Mike Woodson said Leslie still has “a long ways to go.’’

* Woodson confirmed a Post report Amar’e Stoudemire will be on a minutes restriction next season.

The Knicks had talked about a 20-minute cap limit on the forward, and they also discussed limiting his playing in back-to-back games.

“Right now, as it stands, he’s going to be on some restrictions,’’ Woodson said. “What those restrictions will be, I don’t know yet.’’

Woodson said the Knicks are taking a new approach to Stoudemire this offseason, having him rest all summer instead of working out.

“The main thing with Amar’e, he needed rest,’’ Woodson said. “Last summer, he put in a lot of time. He worked his [butt] off last summer.’’

* Iman Shumpert was excused from the first two days of practices. Woodson said he would like to see him play some point guard during summer league. …. Forward Tyrus Thomas was waived by Charlotte and could be a Knicks target. … Woodson confirmed Carmelo Anthony will not need shoulder surgery. Anthony said on June 27 surgery was no longer an option.

* Woodson on the Hardaway pick: “I was happy he was there when we picked. I think he’s got a high motor about him with a jump shot.’’