To Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, Joe Johnson was a coach’s dream in Phoenix.
Johnson’s Hawks will be at the Garden tonight to battle D’Antoni’s Knicks, but the two men used to be on the same side.
During the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons in Phoenix, D’Antoni coached Johnson, the four-time All-Star who’s set to be a free agent this summer and could be a prime Knicks target.
“The best,” D’Antoni said when asked yesterday what he remembered about coaching Johnson.
“An unbelievable work ethic. Great family. Six-[foot]-eight guy that plays one through four, and just a really, really good basketball player.”
At the All-Star Game in Dallas last month, Johnson extolled D’Antoni as well. He told The Post that weekend, “He gave me a chance to shine and become the player I am today. I love him, so I would visit [the Knicks this summer].”
Tonight Johnson will visit with D’Antoni for the last time until the July 1 free agency period starts. Johnson may be the fourth-best free agent this summer, trailing LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
But the Hawks’ two-guard, who has crushed the Knicks this season by averaging 25.3 points against them in three games, will be only 29 years old in June and is the best player on one of the East’s best teams, averaging 21.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
Keep in mind that Johnson’s agent is Arn Tellem, who’s tight with Knicks president Donnie Walsh. Tellem helped send Tracy McGrady to the Knicks and also represents Danilo Gallinari and Sergio Rodriguez.
“He’s one of those guys you’ll say, ‘Well, Joe hasn’t given us too many problems today,’ and you look up and he’s got 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists,” said David Lee, who played with Johnson in the All-Star Game. “And you’ll be like, ‘Wow, I didn’t even see that coming.’ “
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McGrady is questionable for tonight, saying he’s a game-time decision. Said a fatigued T-Mac, “My body has just finally caught up to me. With all these games and the minutes, my body is hurting.”
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D’Antoni plans to change who plays tonight, revealing in particular that he’ll likely give either Chris Duhon or Toney Douglas some minutes.
The coach wouldn’t say which point guard might see time, but did say, “We need to speed it up a little bit,” so that likely means the quicker Douglas.