Okafor or Towns? Phil Jackson strongly hints on his favorite

Calling the Knicks' historic free fall a potential "godsend,'' Phil Jackson hinted Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns and Duke's Jahlil Okafor are his focal points in the draft, but the team president indirectly appeared to give the Kentucky center a stronger endorsement when he said the club needs a defensive big such as Tyson Chandler.

Towns is the more athletic, lethal defender. In fact, Okafor's defense has been questioned despite his enormous offensive skills in the post.

"I think it's going to be worth watching,'' Jackson said coyly when prodded whether his draft pick could be playing in Indianapolis this weekend.

When asked if he knows who he would draft with the top pick, should the Knicks win the draft lottery, Jackson said, "I do."

During a 45-minute presentation to season-ticket holders at the Garden's Theatre, Jackson also was asked what he cherished more in a big man — the ability to pass and score or be a dominant defender.

"Defender,'' Jackson said to applause, adding to the irony of his trade of Chandler last offseason. "That's a good starting point — a guy like Tyson Chandler and the defensive passion they have to have. So many screen and rolls, so many 3-point shooters, a player of size has to cover and protect the basket but also step out defensively and do defensive work on the extreme part of the floor. It's very important for that player to have defensive capabilities.''

Jackson explained he traded Chandler, a former Defensive Player of the Year, because he was due a new contract in 2015 and felt age and injuries made him a risk.

In a possible Freudian slip, Jackson was recounting past No. 1 picks and mentioned Okafor. However, he seemed to be listing first-round busts as he mentioned Okafor's name after Kwame Brown. Laughter erupted among the crowd of 2,000 as Jackson explained he meant Michael Olowokandi, another bust.

Jackson said it wasn't his intention for the Knicks to have the NBA's worst record — and worst in franchise history — but it may work out. At 14-61, the Knicks likely will have the top seed in the lottery and assure themselves of a top-four pick and 25 percent chance at the first.

"This is our opportunity, and it may be a godsend," Jackson said.

The president added, "I commiserate for the people who put a lot of money out there, who have season tickets who sit and watch the game. I empathize with that part of it. To rebuild this team, we knew we were going to have to take the team apart to get where we have to.

"I can make the argument we had to go through it. S–t happens and this season it did happen to us.''

Phil Jackson and Steve MillsPhoto: Anthony J. Causi

Jackson again indicated the Knicks would entertain offers to swap first-round picks and general manager Steve Mills, who joined Jackson on the podium, said he's already received two phone calls from other general manager inquiring about the Knicks' plans.

"We have to sit back and see what comes towards you,'' Jackson said. "Whose going to come in with ideas that will be appealing. We have to figure out what works best for us.''

Nevertheless, Jackson admitted if the Knicks win the top pick, it will be difficult to deal it because "a first pick can move a whole organization.''

"The calls are bound to come in,'' Mills said. "You have to look at what's there and weigh options.''

Mills, however, said his season's trade conversations are similar.

"Every GM that calls you, the first thing he wants is a pick,'' Mills said. "The deal is you call New York and get a pick. There's a line in the sand you have to draw we're not trading them.''

Jackson said big men are a priority in the draft and free agency because Carmelo Anthony is the only big man under contract for next season — and his natural position is small forward.

Mills said how a free agent fits the triangle system is as important as the marquee name.

"It's a different approach than in the past — we won't go after the biggest name out there , we'll go after players who fit in system and style,'' Mills said. "It may in fact be a big-name player but it's going to be who fits system-wise.''

Mills added a key to July's free-agent frenzy is quickly identifying whether a player really wants to play here and, if not, move on. Mills said he's already "planting seeds'' with agents. Before he started his aggressive rehab as he tries to come back from knee surgery, Anthony would spend three hours in his office going over other rosters.

Amidst the wreckage, Jackson has gotten good feedback in coffee shops.

"I get most 'Did you tank?' '' Jackson said. "No, we're not tanking. Our guys really want to be competitive, but some nights we just don't have enough guys. 'I fully approve what you're doing and stick with it.' That's what I'm getting on the street all the time. Fans of New York are willing to stand behind us. ''

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