TORONTO — There may be a reason Knicks interim coach Mike Woodson has done everything but put on a Linsanity T-Shirt the past week.
Woodson said he is not sure backup point guard Baron Davis ever will be 100 percent this season, citing his hamstring strain and chronic back issues, saying he would be monitoring his minutes.
Davis, who had five points, eight assists and two steals in 22 minutes during the Knicks’ 96-79 loss to the Raptors last night, made his return in Philadelphia on Wednesday from a two-game absence and played 12 minutes, shooting just 2-of-7. Before the 76ers game, Davis said his hamstring was still sore, but the Sixers’ contest was too huge to miss.
“I don’t think he’s ever going to be 100 percent,’’ Woodson said. “We just have to take what he can give when he’s out on the floor. And I have to monitor his minutes and make sure I don’t burn him and he’s sitting on the sidelines again. I don’t think he’s 100 percent and I don’t think he’ll ever be 100 percent.’’
Because Davis is a veteran and Woodson talked about not wanting to give big responsibilities to young players, there was speculation when Woodson took over he would lean toward the former All-Star Davis in April as a starter over Jeremy Lin if he continued to progress. That’s not happening, as Lin’s confidence keeps growing and Davis’ body is showing fragility.
* Woodson also was cautious about key backup big man Jared Jeffries, who missed last night’s game in Toronto and will be out tonight after reinjuring his right-knee in Philadelphia.
Jeffries missed four games during the key six-game losing streak that prompted former Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni to resign. Woodson said his minutes will “probably be reduced’’ until his knee gets stronger.
Jeffries had offseason surgery on the knee.
* Bill Walker, who had elbow surgery on March 4, said don’t count him out.
Walker traveled with the club Saturday for his first road trip since the surgery last night. Walker told The Post he will be ready for scrimmaging in two weeks and still hasn’t ruled out being available if needed the final few regular-season games in late April.
D’Antoni, on March 4, said Walker probably was done until the playoffs. Walker, who started at small forward during a chunk of the Knicks 8-1 Linsanity surge in place of injured Carmelo Anthony, could squeeze into the rotation with Davis’ and Jeffries’ health issues.
Walker spoke with D’Antoni the day after his resignation.
“He was in a tough position,’’ Walker said. “People don’t realize how stressful this job is. I can definitely understand where he was coming from. But at the same time, I would’ve liked for him to finish it out. That was his call. He felt he’d be doing the team a disservice if he stuck around. In his mind, he was doing the right thing.’’