Sexton is player teams should covet: Johnson

If you listen to Alabama coach Avery Johnson, the Knicks would be wise to bring “Sexton to the City’’ despite their young point-guard glut.

The former Nets coach, in fact, thinks if the Knicks stand pat at No. 9 in Tuesday’s lottery, his point guard Collin Sexton won’t even be around for Knicks president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry to bring aboard.

“I think he has unbelievable potential,’’ Johnson said in a phone interview. “I played in the league, coached in the league. He’s as fast as anyone I’ve ever seen in my NBA career. I think he’s a little bit closer to Kevin Johnson speed. I know that’s a blast from the past but that type of speed with [Russell] Westbrook athleticism.’’

A one-and-done, 19-year-old prospect, the 6-foot-3 Sexton averaged 19.2 points, 3.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds in his 33 games as a freshman, willing the football factory into the NCAA Tournament. He shot 44.7 percent — just 33.6 percent from 3-point range.

“He’s a two-way player, not a one-way player,’’ Johnson said. “He’s a small kid, but with a high basketball IQ who will be able to create his own shot anytime he wants. He’s got strong character. He’s still at school in Alabama. He didn’t drop out. His goal is to make straight A’s. He accomplished that in the first semester and he’s tried to do that in the second semester.’’

Knicks brass is on record saying their preference is to draft a small forward, but not if the best prospect on the board has a significantly higher upside than a wing such as Villanova’s Mikal Bridges.

One NBA source close to the Knicks brain trust told The Post they must decide if the Alabama guard is an unquestioned upgrade over what they already have in Frank Ntilikina, Emmanuel Mudiay and Trey Burke.

Problem is, Sexton — like Ntilikina and Mudiay — hasn’t established a perimeter shot despite his athleticism and dazzling penetration ability.

“Frank’s a better defender,’’ one NBA personnel director said. “And Collin can struggle with his shot.’’

Johnson predicts Sexton will rise in the mocks after workouts.

“Nine range?’’ the Alabama coach said. “If they saw what I have seen, I’m not trying to promote my player [because] my reputation is on the line also. But if they’ve seen what I’ve seen, I don’t see how he gets past five.’’