Knicks point guard Pablo Prigioni’s kidney stones are gone — and so is his anger.
Last seen on the world stage at the London Olympics in mid-August, an ailing Prigioni kicked over a time clock at the final buzzer after Argentina suffered an 81-77 defeat to Russia in the bronze-medal game.
Prigioni did not speak to the media afterward.
“It was so painful for us, I think we cried 20 minutes in the locker room,’’ Prigioni told The Post. “All the players, to lose like that …’’
In a wild scramble in the final 20 seconds, Russia seized the ball, scored and clinched the win. Prigioni had come up with it before it squirted free.
“I never talked about that last play,’’ said Prigioni, who was debilitated by kidney stones in London. “The guy had grabbed my leg. The official was real close. It should’ve been two shots and the ball.’’
It’s a bad memory Prigioni will try to erase this season as he becomes the oldest rookie in NBA history at age 35.
The veteran Spanish Leaguer, a pure playmaker, is the Knicks’ third point guard behind Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd, but coach Mike Woodson plans to use him.
General manager Glen Grunwald had tried to woo Prigioni for years. Before Iman Shumpert returns, there will be games Kidd plays backup shooting guard and Prigioni picks up the minutes at point guard.
“I’m here to help the team when it needs me,’’ Prigioni said. “This is the time to get in shape. I want to be consistent and play smart. In this league, there are great shooters, great athletes. My place is to be a smart player and make my teammates happy. I will help the team where it needs me.’’
Asked if the Knicks’ camp felt different than one in the Spanish League, Prigioni said, “No difference. Same anywhere.’’
Tyson Chandler faced Prigioni in the Olympics and sees the savvy.
“He’s got a different poise about him,’’ Chandler said. “A lot of rookies come in and gain confidence. He knows where he is and what his value is. He doesn’t play like a rookie. He plays with a different poise and confidence.’’