NBA

KRYPTO-NATE’S FUTURE UP IN AIR

PHOENIX – The star of “Krypto-Nate” Robinson has risen following his superhero Slam Dunk title Saturday night over Dwight Howard during All-Star weekend.

But whether Saturday’s sensational display in the desert will raise his star enough for Knicks’ management to re-sign him July 1 is debatable.

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If Robinson chooses to defend his Slam-Dunk title versus LeBron James in Dallas next year, Robinson may be wearing a new uniform, and that would devastate some Knicks’ fans.

James threw his hat into the ring Saturday night, but Robinson said he may hang up his green dunking shoes.

Many consider Robinson the more popular player than fellow restricted free agent Lee, who also has a lot of fans. But when the Knicks reconvene for practice today, the countdown begins on Robinson’s potential final 30 games as a Knick.

He may begin the countdown as their starting point guard, because Chris Duhon is nursing a sprained ankle.

Knicks superfan Spike Lee, one of Robinson’s biggest supporters who regularly shows up in a Robinson jersey at the Garden, told The Post last night from his courtside seat at the All-Star Game, that he would like Robinson and Lee to remain with the team.

“Here it is,” he said. “I hope somehow Donnie Walsh can work his magic, can get what he wants in 2010 and still re-sign Nate and David Lee.”

The Knicks 5-foot-7 1/2 sparkplug donned all green Saturday night to resemble Kryptonite and deter Howard, aka Superman.

“I’d love to cut the trophy in half and share it with him, for helping me out,” Robinson said afterward.

Howard agreed to become Robinson’s final prop Friday to allow Robinson to jump over him.

Howard said he knew if Robinson completed the herculean jump, he likely would win the title.

“Dwight Howard I did him a solid,” Spike said. “It was very commendable to be a part of it. But I’m taller than Nate. To jump over someone 7-feet is amazing. The key is, is he going to try to dunk the rest of the season.”

Howard, who dunked on an 11-foot-high rim with his red cape, took the loss well.

“It’s all about having fun,” he said, “The fans loved it. That’s what All-Star weekend is all about. I’m not mad.

“Dunking looks really hard for him and real easy for me, but the better man won.”

Howard’s statement is profound. Robinson amazes fans because everything he does looks impossibly magnificent. Last week, Robinson blocked a shot – an impressive spectacle – but was called for goaltending.

Nevertheless, Knicks president Donnie Walsh is not grading Robinson on entertainment value, but on production and ability to help the Knicks win. Can he afford to give Robinson at least $5 million a year on his next contract and still have enough cap space for two 2010 free agents?

Robinson endured a horrendous stretch in late December through mid-January but has rediscovered his game. In his first start at point guard for Duhon against the Clippers in Los Angeles Wednesday before the All-Star break, he put together a Superman-like line – 33 points, 15 assists, five steals.