Knicks permanent general manager Glen Grunwald raved on about interim coach Mike Woodson Wednesday, giving strong indications he’s got his man for next season.
Grunwald said it wasn’t the time to guarantee Woodson’s return with the playoffs about to start. But all signs point that he strongly will recommend a return for his former Indiana teammate to owner James Dolan.
“Woody has done a fantastic job,’’ Grunwald said at a press conference one day after he formally had the “interim’’ tag removed from his title. “I can’t give him enough credit for the job he’s done. Normally coaching changes don’t result in such a dramatic improvement in a team’s performance. I’ve known Woody a long time. We’ve had our separation, but to see how he’s grown as a coach and person after six years in Atlanta, that kind of experience he got there growing the team, and improved them over his tenure, and to see firsthand him working as a head coach here is very impressive.’’
Asked if that meant Woodson was back, Grunwald laughed. “We’re not talking about any staffing questions today,’’ he said. “One reason I don’t speak a lot is we have to stay focused on the moment. We’re in the playoffs right now. We need to stay focused on that.”
In a telling remark later that he’s not looking to change, Grunwald said, “I feel it’s going well right now. I’m happy for them and how well they performed. You find a formula that works. You don’t want to change. You want to tweak and improve it.’’
Despite Dolan’s influence, Grunwald will have a strong say in the coaching decision. But Grunwald said Dolan has to sign off on his recommendation. Woodson confirmed Wednesday night one of the “big reasons’’ he took the Knicks assistant job was Grunwald.
“I think it will be an organizational decision which it has been in every team I’ve been with,’’ Grunwald said before the Knicks’ 99-93 victory over the Clippers. “The decision is a very important decision. I think it would be an organizational decision. I’ll make my recommendations and we’ll come together to make the right decision for the team.’’
A strong push by Phil Jackson’s reps combined with a bad playoff showing are the only things that could possibly prevent Woodson from becoming the permanent Knicks coach. Woodson entered last night at 16-6 since taking over for Mike D’Antoni, who resigned March 14.
Grunwald said it has become clear D’Antoni was right in his assessment that the club needed a new voice.
Asked by The Post what Woodson has done that D’Antoni didn’t, Grunwald said, “Sometimes it’s a matter of change being a catalyst for waking people up,’’ Grunwald said. “And seeing how serious a situation it can be. Mike stepping down, I think he saw it as he couldn’t do it anymore with this team. It was his frustration. Maybe it was transferred to this team. Woody came in and had a great approach and was very positive. He’s a likeable guy at the same time. He will do what’s necessary to get guys to play right.’’
Woodson said Wednesday night one of his concerns when he took over was Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire “weren’t playing hard enough.’’
Grunwald will have a tough task this summer in bettering the club as he tries to re-sign Jeremy Lin, Steve Novak and J.R. Smith. With no cap flexibility, the Knicks could be outbid for Novak and Smith, two major bench pieces. The Knicks also have no first-round pick.
“I’m not focused on the summer right now,’’ Grunwald said. “I’ve thought about it but we need to stay focused on the moment. The playoffs are on. We have an opportunity as a team. Who knows the next opportunity will be to do something good. Let’s do as well as we can and let’s evaluate after it’s all done.’’
The Knicks could have locked in Miami last night if certain scenarios took place — such as wins by the Knicks and Magic and a 76ers loss.
“I’m hopeful,’’ Grunwald said. “We’re going to have a tough opponent, whether it’s Chicago [or] Miami. We’re going to have our work cut out for us. I just hope we play to our capabilities and let the chips fall where they may and we’re see what we need to do, if anything, to move this team forward.’’
marc.berman@nypost.com