The Knicks have one roster spot still open entering tomorrow’s season opener, and Carmelo Anthony hopes it eventually goes to his former Nuggets teammate Kenyon Martin, according to an NBA source.
According to the source, Anthony wants Martin in New York, though he is not permitted to sign a contract until March, when his Chinese team is through with the playoffs. The rugged forward was bought out earlier this week and was expected home for the holidays.
The source said Martin considers the Knicks his top choice, partly because of his friendship with Anthony. They became tight during their nearly seven seasons together in Denver. Martin could fill the role of another gritty big man off the bench with athleticism.
The Knicks have their $2.5 million room exception to offer the ex-Net, who reportedly did not look good in China. But people close to Martin said he was unhappy there and was just collecting a paycheck during the lockout. Nevertheless, by Chinese Basketball Association rules, he is not allowed to play for an NBA team until his Chinese club, Xinjiang, is done.
Martin’s new agent is New Jersey-based Andy Miller.
* Anthony heaped praise on defensive assistant coach Mike Woodson for establishing defense as the primary focus of training camp, echoing the recent words of Amar’e Stoudemire.
“He’s been great,’’ Anthony said. “The focus day in and day out and consistently is on defense. Every day in practice, film sessions, 30, 45 minutes, defensive film sessions. … We’re enjoying that right now, listening to Coach Woodson.’’
* Steve Novak, signed Wednesday, participated in his first practice and showed his 3-point skill during the scrimmage, hitting two from the corner. Novak is expected to be a rotation player.
Coach Mike D’Antoni said it was too early to tell if Novak will be ready for action tomorrow.
* Bill Walker returned to practice after being out the past 11 days with a strained groin, and may play tomorrow.