Knicks notes

WEST POINT — When he heard the news the Knicks would open the season in Cleveland on Oct. 25 as witnesses to the Cavaliers’ historic ring ceremony, Carmelo Anthony smiled, knowing the NBA was up to its tricks.

But Anthony said he is happy, believing the Knicks will get a chance to do something special after LeBron James — and maybe his buddy J.R. Smith — receive their championship rings.

“The NBA [is] trying to give us a little setup on that one,” Anthony said after the Knicks’ training-camp practice at Army’s Christl Arena. “We’ll be ready for that. I think it’s a major test for us to see where we’re at as a team. … It’s only one game, opening night, but it will be a good night for us.

“I’m going to tell you where I was at when I heard it. We were in Chicago. We were at one of the USA [Olympic] appearances. The schedule broke. I had a big smile on my face.’’

Smith, the controversial former Knicks guard, is a free agent — a camp holdout despite being a force in Game 7 of the Finals triumph over the Warriors. Anthony can’t understand the Cavs dragging their feet and wants to watch Smith presented with his first NBA championship ring. Coach Jeff Hornacek is confident point guard Derrick Rose won’t miss any time due to the $21.5 million civil sex assault trial, which slated to begin Oct. 4 if it isn’t settled.

“We hope he’s here for the whole time so anything we put in, we don’t have to repeat,’’ Hornacek said. “But it’s the NBA. Guys get hurt, miss games. Other guys step up. I anticipate Derrick’s going to be here.’’

Rose finished up Wednesday’s scrimmage with a lovely, behind-the-back, dribble penetration, sinking a floater in the lane after faking a dish-out.

“He’s getting his legs back,’’ Hornacek said. “Just watching him last year when we played him, it didn’t look like he was explosive as he was now. This summer got him ready.’’