The Knicks don't have a pick in the draft until No. 38, but that might be good enough to snag Brooklyn native and Lincoln High product Lance Stephenson, whose stock has fluctuated from mid-first round to early second round.

Stephenson, a 19-year-old shooting guard, worked out for the Knicks yesterday at their training facility in Greenburgh, N.Y., and entertained the thought of playing for his hometown team.

"I always grew up wanting to play for the Knicks," Stephenson said after the workout, which included shooting drills, one-on-one and three-on-three exercises. "So if they pick me, I'll be very happy."

Stephenson, 19, is entering the draft after one season at Cincinnati in which he averaged 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, and was named Big East Rookie of the Year.

He said during the season that he chose Cincinnati over St. John's because he felt smothered in New York and needed to go elsewhere to escape the pressure brought on by winning four PSAL titles and setting the all-time scoring record for New York State.

Stephenson said he is ready to return to New York after a one-year sabbatical.

"I think I'm more comfortable with coming back and playing with the Knicks," he said. "I think it'd be better for the Knicks in a lot of ways because I grew up in New York. I think a lot more people will come out and watch the games knowing that I'm from New York and that I played in New York since my high school career."

At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Stephenson has an NBA-ready body but questionable shooting skills. Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni's system relies heavily on outside shooting, but Stephenson said he believes he would fit well in the system.

"He likes up and down, and that's the type of player that I [am]," Stephenson said. "A lot of people say I need to work on my jump shot, so I've been in the gym shooting a lot of reps."

The Knicks need help on defense, and Stephenson was named Cincinnati's Defensive Player of the Year.

"I can bring defense [to a team]," Stephenson said. "[I'm trying to] show that I'm a leader, and I think I bring a lot of energy to a team and help them win games."

Knicks officials were unavailable to comment on the workout, but prospect Samardo Samuels, who also worked out for the Knicks yesterday, said Stephenson played with a lot of confidence in the workout.

Was supposed to say.. Stephenson Wants To Play For Knicks

thanks for the correction guys

I'm sure he would do ok with us.

BRIGGS wrote:He cant shoot but he is a 6-5 225 player with one of the best handles in the world for a guy his size --he showed nice flashes this year[year 1] and he calmed the waters with his *character issues* with good conduct at his school this year. He was a guy who had some really good moments who showed he could score rebound pass and play within a system. Now you have to look at him and say what is this kid with two more years of school with a much improved jumper? Probably a lottery pick

the difference in his play from start of the year to tourney time was absolutely night and day. i absolutely agree with you about his jumpshot. his jumpshot will improve.. alot of people said the same thing about brandon jennings and no one was complaining about his J this year.

Stephenson is too good to pass up with a 2nd rounder however I cant see him succeeding here under D'Antoni. Stephenson needs to be surrounded by Vets and have a no non-sense coach. If he is available though we cant pass on him.

Pharzeone wrote:

Andrew wrote:Would this be considered a community pick?

I know you are joking but yeah it would be IMO. A hometown kid, to appease a section of the city that the Knicks may lose in 3 years. I mean everyone got on Nate for being immature but have no doubt of his talent. And now people want to say hey let's take a guy who has shown a worse attitude in HS and his first year of college because we think he has talent and is a hometown talent. I'm not the biggest fan of MDA but why would people want to set him up for a headache that everyone can see a mile away.

No disrespect but **** D'Antoni. D'Antoni might not even be here after next year.