NBA

Knicks should make run at Tinsley

Kobe Bryant recently “pinpointed” Jamaal Tinsley as an ideal conductor of offensive arrangements, exactly what the Lakers (and Knicks) distinctly lack.

While there’s really no reason to solicit a second opinion on Tinsley once Bryant expressed his considered “viewpoint”, it’s germane to note the third-string Jazz orchestra leader is supported by a steady stream of unprompted praise.

During my week with the Warriors in preseason, assistant coach Pete Myers, a 12-year backcourt veteran, fervently fingered Tinsley as one of the last in a vanishing breed of classic playmakers. Mark Jackson, who might have some insight into that species, was all for getting him, but Utah already signed him to a veteran’s minimum ($1.2 million) contract.

Ten days ago, Spurs guard T.J. Ford paid homage to Tinsley in a spontaneous tweet, tagging him “one of New York City’s finest PGs”

Earlier this week, after watching Tinsley make mesmerizing, metrical music in the final six minutes of a 108-79 blowout win over my Hedge Clippers, Pacers’ patriarch Mel Daniels succinctly appraised Tinsley.

“He knows how to play the game of basketball efficiently,” he said.

I lead the column with Tinsley, why? Because the Knicks are 6-8, their three top scorers are shooting .411, .408, and .392; the team is 28th in the league in field goal percentage; and only four opponents have compiled fewer assists.

Clearly, the Knicks can’t wait much longer for Baron Davis to get healthier than he has been in years and then stay that way for what’s left of the season.

Clearly, the team urgently needs an infinitely more skilled floor coach, someone undaunted by egocentrics’ endless calls for the ball.

Clearly, the sidelines’ coach can’t get Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert to take better percentage shots.

Are they not listening? Are they not running plays to fruition because nobody can pass, dribble and penetrate on the same possession? Or is coach Mike D’Antoni not saying much of anything that makes sense?

Is the head-up-at-all-times 6-foot-3 Tinsley, 33, the answer? The Knicks supposedly wanted him around the same time the Jazz scooped him up from the D-League L.A. D-Fenders. That didn’t necessarily mean D’Antoni wanted him, only that someone in management voiced interest

What’s more, it definitely doesn’t mean D’Antoni — his history with Brooklyn-born guards being what it is— even would play Tinsley if the Knicks somehow managed to get him.

The “point” is, if Tinsley isn’t available at the moment, in only a matter of weeks he may shake free. Should the Jazz keep him past Feb. 10, his contract becomes fully guaranteed.

Why wait to find out? Indications are it shouldn’t be all that difficult right now for the Knicks (Lakers, Thunder, etc.) to acquire Tinsley. It’s not as if Tyrone Corbin shows any signs of recognition for how smoother plays are executed when Jamaal directs the flow.

From what I have observed in the preseason and thus far in 13 games, the Jazz coach displays zero appreciation for the improved play of established and young players alike under Tinsley’s cadenced guidance.

Then again, maybe I’m misreading Corbin’s likes and dislikes. His team is a startling 9-4; a torrent of road games is forthcoming. Who am I to say he has no feel for Tinsley’s know-how and teammates’ positive reaction to him?

After all, Corbin is operating under the influence of starter Devin Harris (8.6 points 4.8 assists, 2.1 turnovers, .37.6 percent from the field) and sub Earl Watson (3.6, 4.5, 1.8 and 41 percent), perhaps the league’s most pointless duet.

While on the subject, what a sad commentary that Jackson had to become the Warriors’ coach to get the most out of former Knicks David Lee and Nate Robinson.

* Memo to commissioner David Stern: When I’m watching the game on TV, and the referees at the game are watching the game on TV more than I am, we have issues.

Taking nothing away from the latest Chauncey Billups big shot, but the last minute or so of Mavericks-Clippers took so long, Mitt Romney had time to stash more millions in the Caymans.

The three whistle blowers — Tony Brown, Bill Kennedy and Kevin Cutler — spent so much time looking at the monitor to check “ball off who? … foot on the line, foot in the mouth — even my portfolio lost interest.

None of these guys made decisions of conviction, especially knowing they were all going to convene at the flat screen to look at it again … and again … and again.

Hell, next time why not spring for a Barcalounger and let them nuke some popcorn. Surely, there has to be a better way to make use of modern technology without turning into such a crutch.

Of course, this request comes from someone whose New Year’s resolution is to master the rotary phone.

* You know how I know I’m watching too many Nuggets’ games? I know immediately when Chris Andersen gets a new tattoo.

I could swear I heard NBA TV’s Chris Webber express his love for how Emeka Okafor has improved his footwork and game around basket. Time Out! Okafor never has improved. If anything, he has regressed, if that’s possible. His scoring is at a career low 8.7. For Webber’s edification, Okafor’s rookie year average was 15.1.

I cannot wait to see how Rockets’ coach Kevin McHale arranges to bail out Danny Ainge when he blows up the Celtics this time.

The Timberwolves offered Kevin Love a four-year $61 million extension. Naturally, he is demanding a fifth year guarantee like the $78 million one Russell Westbrook signed with the Thunder.

Look-a-likes: Ricky Rubio and Ringo Starr.