From coach Mike D’Antoni to team president Donnie Walsh, the Knicks think David Lee deserves to be an All-Star. And before tonight’s game against Toronto, they will find out if their blossoming center has become the team’s first to receive the honor in nearly a decade.
“I’m excited to see what happens,” said Lee, who could join defending dunk champ Nate Robinson and Rookie Challenge invitee Danilo Gallinari in Dallas. “I wouldn’t be upset if I didn’t make it, but it’d be cool, especially for the fans, who haven’t had an All-Star in a while.”
Try back in 2001, when Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston were selected for the team. It’s no coincidence that that was the last season the team had a winning record, and Lee’s selection would serve as at least some form of validation for their rebuilding efforts.
The coaches’ All-Star ballots for reserves were turned in three days ago, and the Knicks insist Lee — who is averaging 19.4 points and 11.4 rebounds, which ranks fifth in the NBA — has played well enough to be on that list.
“I think it’s important to know the direction we’re going in, the level of play has picked up,” D’Antoni said. “He’s deserving of it. That’s what most of us care about. We’re going to try to get two or three more other guys up to that level. He’s put a lot of work into it, and it’d be great if he could make the All-Star team.”
Lee must contend with hopefuls Gerald Wallace (Bobcats) and Al Horford (Hawks), both on winning teams, and Lee’s numbers are inflated by D’Antoni’s system. But his maligned defense has improved, and the former high school guard is having plays run through him — his 3.4 assists per game leads all centers.
“I always thought he was a great rebounder. I had no idea, particularly in the pick-and-roll, when he has his back to the basket he still has touch around the basket that not many players do. It’s a real talent,” Walsh said. “We’re going through him a lot now, he’s making outside shots, so it’s a total package. He’s much better than when I first saw him.”
➤ Gallinari was honored to make the Rookie Challenge, earning some vindication after a 28-game rookie season cut short by back surgery. “That’s great also for this reason: I was injured last year, and to be able to work hard over the summer and with the effort to be part of this game is great,” Gallinari said.
➤ Chris Duhon ran a flawless floor game Tuesday, but still can’t buy a basket. But as long as he’s got a 3.49 assist-to-turnover ratio — sixth-best in the NBA — D’Antoni said they will stick with him.
“I’ll still get out there and play and try and help this team win. I can’t let my shot affect the rest of my game,” Duhon said. “I can still help this team win in other areas and that’s what I’ll do until everything else starts to click.”
Al Harrington has a sore knee but should play.
brian.lewis@nypost.com