Sports

James impressed with LI’s Green

MIAMI — Danny Green, the Spurs’ starting shooting guard from North Babylon, L.I., got to soak in the knowledge of LeBron James in his rookie season of 2009-10 with the Cavaliers.

As speculation mounted James would sign with the Knicks that summer, Green felt he knew better about “The Decision.’’

“When he was a free agent, honestly, I thought the strongest possibility was he was going to come back,’’ Green said Wednesday. “I didn’t think New York was going to be the place. I didn’t think Miami was going to be the place. But what did I know? He made the decision he made. It seems it’s working out pretty well.’’

Unsolicited, James, who could match up against Green tonight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, praised his former Cavs teammate who has made a spectacular rise. Green, an ’09 second-round pick, was cut by the Cavaliers in training camp in 2010 after James left and nearly went to Europe before hooking on with the Spurs. Green started 80 games this season.

“I had Danny in Cleveland with me as my rook[ie], so this is going to be great to go against him,’’ James said. “I’m happy for what he’s been able to do.’’

Green knows he had a special tutor.

“My rookie year, I was trying to be the biggest sponge I can be,’’ Green said. “I watched the way he carried himself on and off the court, tried to pick and choose some of the moves he liked to do and add it to my game. Obviously I can’t do the things he can. I’m not as capable or athletic. We would play 1-on-1 after practice, shooting games. I learned a lot in how to carry myself as a pro and be a big part of a team.’’

Green is so highly regarded now, coach Gregg Popovich infamously flew the Spurs’ Big Three — plus Green — back to San Antonio in December to avoid the Heat game and rest them. The Spurs were fined $250,000.

Green, bombarded by questions about it yesterday, didn’t defend the move.

“Pop does his decisions for his reasons,’’ Green said. “I just follow orders. I’m sure that decision changed some things in the NBA in how the league looked at resting players. The NBA made the proper punishment.’’

* Manu Ginobili was non-committal on Argentine countryman Pablo Prigioni’s return to the NBA and the Knicks.

“I’m not sure, I really hope so,’’ Ginobili said. “I think the last time he talked to the media [on Argentine radio] he was intending to get back in the league. If he wants to, he’ll be here.’’

Ginobili added, “[He had] a terrific, great season — 35 years old and a rookie on a team like that — he did great.’’

Prigioni and Ginobili are close friends. When the Knicks were in San Antonio, Prigioni went to Ginobili’s home for dinner.

marc.berman@nypost.com