The Knicks’ interest in Spanish League veteran point guard Pablo Prigioni does not surprise Walter Szczerbiak one bit.
Prigioni, the playmaker on Argentina’s 2004 Olympic gold-medal-winning team that knocked off Team USA, is 35, but Szczerbiak — the U.S. ambassador to the Spanish League for 25 years before stepping down this season — says that’s not a big factor.
“I’m pretty sure he’d be better than a lot of young point guards in the NBA you get,’’ Szczerbiak told The Post. “He’s really been through the wars. Spain is a real pressure cooker. Every game is playoff intensity. The NBA, it’s more in the playoffs. He has great experience in tough situations and he’s a good leader.’’
Prigioni, who has played in the Spanish League since 1999-2000, met with Knicks brass last week for two days, including a dinner with president Glen Grunwald and coach Mike Woodson. The Knicks know the Spanish League better than most NBA teams — their longtime European scout, Kevin Wilson, lives in Barcelona.
“He’s 35, but he has a great body,’’ Szczerbiak said of Prigioni. “I’m sure he’s slowed down a little, but he’s still got pretty good quickness. For 35, he’s got the right kind of body — wiry, never been overweight. He’s like Steve Nash that way. You’d think he was younger than 35 the way he looks.’’
The Knicks are exploring the unconventional route in an attempt to beef up a desolate backcourt that will be without Iman Shumpert to start the season.
They need to find a veteran to aid 24-year-old point guard Jeremy Lin, whom they plan to re-sign. If the union loses its arbitration case to restore Lin’s Bird rights, the Knicks will have just a $2 million lower exception to use in free agency, other than a veteran’s minimum. Prigioni would qualify for less than half of the vet minimum, $1.4 million, because it would be his first year.
The Knicks tried to sign Prigioni in the summer of 2009, when Grunwald was Donnie Walsh’s deputy, after they failed to ink Ramon Sessions. Prigioni’s current team, Caja Laboral, is ready to offer a one-year deal.
Prigioni has never played an NBA game, but has teamed with NBA players and played against them on the world stage. He is expected to be the starting point guard on Argentina’s team making another run at gold this summer in London with the core of Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola, Andres Nocioni, Fabricio Oberto and Carlos Delfino. Most prognosticators have Team USA as heavy favorites, with Spain and Argentina battling for silver.
“I’m not surprised because I know a lot of guys there who want to try it,’’ Szczerbiak said of Prigioni considering a leap to the NBA. “He improved his 3-point shooting, he knows how to run and direct a team and he’s very good at pressing the ball. He’s not a great shooter, but he makes his 3s.’’
Szczerbiak said he can’t imagine Prigioni having a problem adjusting to the rigors of the NBA.
“He plays for the toughest coach in the Spanish League [Dusko Ivanovic],’’ said Szczerbiak, who lives in Cold Spring Harbor and is the father of 10-year pro Wally Szczerbiak. “He demands 100 percent attention and dedication throughout the season. He’s known as The Sergeant.’’