Knick's Rose-y outlook
Malik a firm believer in Zach-Curry tandem
BY FRANK ISOLA

LAS VEGAS - Malik Rose was in Paris for this year's celebrity "it" wedding, sharing the moment with Hollywood A-listers Jessica Alba, Teri Hatcher and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

But rather than talk about the Tony Parker-Eva Longoria marriage, Rose, the veteran Knicks forward, was more interested in weighing in on the union of Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph. Rose, the voice of reason in the Knicks' locker room, believes it can work but he's also honest enough to admit there will be a difficult adjustment for Randolph and his new teammates, particularly Curry.

"Everybody will definitely have an adjustment, and maybe Eddy's adjustment will be a little bit bigger," Rose said here yesterday after returning from France. "Can it happen? I definitely think so. Will it be hard? No doubt. It's going to be difficult because both of them like to post up on the same block. But if anybody can make it work it's (Isiah Thomas) because Zeke's a good motivator. But it will be hard."

Rose spent time with Randolph in South Africa three years ago during the NBA's "Basketball Without Borders" community program. He called Randolph a good guy and even joked about Randolph's infamous troubled past saying, "It's real easy to get into trouble in Portland. It's real hard to get into trouble in New York."

Rose arrived in Las Vegas to train with other Knicks veterans. Curry is not expected to be here, and the Knicks were optimistic that Randolph would arrive last night. Rose's days with the Knicks could be numbered as Thomas looks to make a move for a small forward. But with two years left on his contract, Rose will not be easy to move.

If Rose stays, his minutes will be reduced but he also believes that Randolph's arrival could help the Knicks reach the playoffs.

"I think it helps," Rose said. "If it works out, Zach will probably be the best power forward in the East. He's already All-Star caliber. He can put up 25 and 12 a night so you can't argue with that. Channing (Frye) was talented and he had a very bright future but I think the move that was made was made so we can win now."

ARTEST STILL IN PICTURE: The first day of the free agent signing period is expected to come and go today without Thomas jumping feet first into the market.

Even though Quentin Richardson figures to be ready for the start of training camp and with Renaldo Balkman emerging as a serious contender to crack the regular rotation, the Knicks remain interested in adding a small forward.

The Kings' Ron Artest figures to be traded at some point this summer. The Knicks had made it clear that they are unwilling to trade either David Lee or Balkman in a deal for the Sacramento swingman, who is regarded as one of the game's most versatile - and volatile - players.