SAN FRANCISCO — As he left Portland’s Rose Garden late Wednesday, Marcus Camby carried a plastic bag with some Knicks jerseys and warm-ups inside. Gifts from old friends on the Knicks’ support staff.
Camby realizes it’s possible he will be wearing the Knicks jersey again for real next season and couldn’t hide that old grin when discussing that scenario.
At age 36, the 6-foot-11 Blazers center will be a free agent July 1, available for a mid-range salary the Knicks will try to fit under the salary cap.
They have no center or shot-blocker. Although the Knicks first want to bring in star power, Camby, who played for the Knicks from 1999-2002, fulfills a grave need, and coach Mike D’Antoni and team president Donnie Walsh know it.
“It’s a feeling of going back home and going back to a city where I have a lot of great memories and a lot of great friends,” Camby said. “Definitely July 1, I’ll give New York a look if they’re interested.”
Camby, a Hartford product, said even his family is excited about recent reports about the Knicks’ interest. However, Walsh has so much to juggle. If they get two stars, or one star and re-sign David Lee, there may be no room for Camby or a mid-range free agent. Raja Bell and Kyle Korver also are on their list.
“You always want to be where you’re wanted,” said Camby. “I know how it feels like to play for the Knicks. I know what it feels like to wear that jersey and represent that city. All the great players we had. All the great times we had on that team.”
Camby played when the Knicks were among the NBA elite, on their 1999 NBA Finals squad. The Knicks (26-48), who face the Warriors tonight in Oakland, will lose 50 games this season.
They haven’t won a playoff series since Camby was traded on draft night 2002. Since then, the Knicks haven’t had a center nearly as good as Camby, who never fulfilled expectations here because of injuries.
“I know how much the Knicks mean to that city and all the great fans they have,” Camby said. “They’re going through tough times on and off the court. Since I’ve been west, I always watch the games before to see how the Knicks are doing. It’s kind of sad to see what’s been going on of late.”
Camby has been sturdier since leaving the Knicks and has aided the Blazers’ playoff drive.
“I still feel I have a lot left,” said Camby, averaging 7.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and two blocks.
Camby’s sin in New York was his friendship with Latrell Sprewell, who became an enemy of owner James Dolan. Camby also angered management by questioning the Knicks’ medical staff.
Asked if Dolan could stand in his way, Camby said, “That was eight years ago. That’s a long time ago. I was one to never burn any bridges. I still got a lot of friends on that team, as evidenced by all the gear they gave me.”
Camby acknowledged being unsure of his long-term role in Portland. Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard is thrilled with Camby but may view him as a rental. You remember, Greg Oden, right?
“I know I was brought here because of injuries to Oden and [Joel] Przybilla,” Camby said. “I’m trying to make the best of the situation. Next year I have to factor in those guys coming back, so I have to see where I fit in that picture.”
Camby doesn’t have a lot of love for the Clippers, who phased him out.
“L.A. didn’t want me,” he said. “They’re up there trying to get LeBron [James]. I don’t see that happening.”