The question isn’t whether the Knicks would take Arizona power forward Jordan Hill. The question is whether enough teams ahead of the Knicks looking at guards will hasten Hill’s fall to No. 8 on June 25.
That Hill worked out for the Knicks yesterday was a great sign — an acknowledgement that Hill may still be on the board when the Knicks come up to bat at No. 8.
“There could be a chance,” Hill said after his solo workout. “Just to be sure, we have a backup plan and showcase for the lower top 10.
Anything can happen in this draft. New York is a good place. You got to see what comes down.”
Hill, the 6-foot-10 junior, is long, athletic, can defend the post, run the floor and has an excellent 17-foot jump shot. Before buying your Stephen Curry or Jrue Holiday jersey, the Knicks may go with a power forward despite their roster makeup.
If Hill is there, Curry won’t be.
Adding Hill would mean the Knicks will attempt to deal free agent David Lee in a sign-and-trade in July, possibly with Portland.
The Eastern Conference’s road to The Finals no longer goes through LeBron James’ palace. It goes through Dwight Howard’s Magic Kingdom.
An ability to defend the post is tantamount — something King James’ Cavaliers failed to do. Currently, the Knicks probably have the NBA’s worst post defense. Hence, Donnie Walsh’s fascination with Hill.
“I would fit real good,” Hill said. “I like to run up and down the court. Chris Duhon is a pass-first guard. So that’s a good thing.”
There’s talk Hill wouldn’t get past Golden State at No. 7. According to Hill, during his workout with Golden State Friday, Don Nelson told him he doubts he’d be there at 7. But he never told him they’d pick him.
“Never heard that,” Hill said. “They feel I’m not going to be there but they’re also looking for a guard now.”
Hill will work out four times total — the Warriors, Knicks, Washington (which has the No. 5 pick) tomorrow and Memphis (No. 2) Sunday. Hill and Duhon share the same agent, Kevin Bradbury.
“Obviously being Chris’ agent watching the Knicks all year long, it would be great for them to have another big man with a soft touch — a great athlete who would thrive in that system,” Bradbury said. “I don’t want to speak for Donnie but if he’s available to the Knicks, I would hope they’d take him.”
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The Knicks’ last workout of consequence comes tomorrow when intriguing USC shooting guard DeMar DeRozan goes solo in Westchester.
DeRozan compared himself to Vince Carter during the NBA Combine. … The Knicks are still looking to meet with Spain’s Ricky Rubio when he visits the U.S. next week.