LAS VEGAS — Mike Woodson says the older the better.
The Knicks have added a lot of pieces — and years — during July’s free agency, drawing some criticism about the geriatric state of their roster.
But Woodson loves it. The Knicks will formerly introduce 38-year-old Marcus Camby and 39-year-old Jason Kidd at a news conference today at their Westchester campus. Yesterday they also signed 35-year-old Spanish League warhorse Pablo Prigioni, a point guard.
Asked if the Knicks are too old, Woodson shot back, “You can say that about Miami. You can say that about Boston. I haven’t seen a young team win an NBA title in the last 15 years. That’s why the Miami Heat are loading up with veteran guys like Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to continue their run. That’s why Boston tried to hold the Big 3 together. It’s veteran guys who are winning NBA titles.’’
Woodson pointed out Kidd just captured his NBA title one year ago at the age of 38 and played great.
“Jason Kidd is going to be a Hall of Famer,’’ Woodson said before the Knicks’ first summer-league practice at UNLV last night. “He’s won at the highest level. I’m just happy he’s part of our team. I’ve had to battle with Jason for many years. The guy’s a winner.
“He knows how to win and gets the most out of guys around him. I think that’s what’s going to be important with Iman [Shumpert] and a young Jeremy Lin in terms of making guys around him better.’’
In adding Camby, the Knicks gave up two second-round picks, center prospects Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan, guard Toney Douglas and $2 million. It’s all in for next season.
“[Owner James] Dolan is a guy who wants to win in the worst way,’’ Woodson said. “I think he’s tried to put pieces in place.
“This is what it’s about. It’s not about hoping to win.’’
The Knicks also re-signed 3-point bench bombers J.R. Smith and Steve Novak. “It was important to keep them,’’ Woodson said. “They were very instrumental in the runs we had last year. They both bring valuable things in terms of making shots and making them in bunches.’’
* A source said the Knicks will wait the full 72 hours on Landry Fields’ 3-year, $19 million offer sheet from Toronto before deciding whether to match. They are leaning heavily toward not matching and are trying to add a cheap shooting guard for the minimum. Ronnie Brewer, Mickeal Pietrus and Sonny Weems are available. Sign-and-trades would be needed for O.J. Mayo or Randy Foye.
* Woodson said Shumpert (knee) is at summer league rehabbing and said he might be ahead of his original timetable. Shumpert, who got hurt in the playoffs against Miami, most recently said he was aiming for a January return.
* Camby confirmed in an Internet radio interview that he couldn’t foresee playing for the Heat because of his past Knicks ties.
“I couldn’t see myself being part of that team, especially coming back to the Garden as a villian,” he said.
* Summer leaguer power forward Chris Copeland has been invited to Knicks training camp.