TRAE OF HOPE
Young extols hoops mecca NYC after working out for Knicks
The Knicks became the first team — and the lowest in the draft — for which electric Oklahoma point guard Trae Young worked out.
After going through his workout Tuesday in Tarrytown, Young said the Knicks would be a “cool” franchise to join and added he doesn’t care a whit they are selecting at No. 9 on June 21.
“I just hope I go to the right team, no matter what,’’ Young said. “Whether that’s [No. 1], whether that’s 9, it’s not up to me. I just hope I get picked by the right team and the team that really wants me and a team where I can help and take it to the next level.”
Young, who led the nation in scoring and assists last season, said he has had an infatuation with New York ever since he toured the Garden as a youngster, with his fifth-grade AAU team.
“As a kid you dream of playing in every arena, different types of teams,’’ Young said. “With the Lakers, with different teams, with the Knicks, you grow up as a kid wanting to play in Madison Square [Garden]. It’s a really good place.”
Young said the Knicks became his first workout just by chance. He only will work out for four teams — with the Magic up next on Wednesday. He has the Hawks and Bulls lined up. Many mock drafts have Young going to Orlando, which picks sixth.
He admitted the Knicks were insistent he come to Tarrytown — which means they could be looking to move up a few notches despite their glut of young point guards. Some in the organization see an upside in Young which they don’t have on the current roster.
Asked why the young Knicks are appealing, Young said: “The tremendous history. The tremendous fan base. Everything about New York. This is the mecca of basketball. …The thought of coming here would be pretty cool.
“I wasn’t doing too many workouts, but I wanted to do this one.”
Young had dinner with Knicks president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry on Monday night. After his workout, Young said he would be watching film with new Knicks coach David Fizdale.
“He’s a great dude,” Young said. “Great coach. Everything I’ve heard about him, he’s amazing. He’s very en- ergetic. He’s a guy who keeps it real with you. Me, as a player who wants to be great, you want someone like that, who’s going to push you, who’s going to make you better, who’s going to keep it real with you.”
Since March 21, Young has put on 13 pounds and lost 2 percent body fat after working with a new trainer, Travelle Gaines, in Los Angeles. It figures his defense, which scouts have cited as a significant flaw, could elevate with a sturdier frame.
“Obviously, when you gain some weight and muscle and you lose body fat, you progress and your game progresses,’’ Young said.
“I haven’t played a game since college, but whenever we start playing, they will see eventually,” Young said of improved defense.
Young said he believes his late-season slump resulted from ”game plans changing” on both sides. Clearly teams tried stopping Young at all costs. During one threegame stretch, he missed 21 straight 3-pointers.
“My confidence level never varies,” Young said. “I felt like what I did this year on the collegiate level … shocked a lot of people, but it really didn’t shock me.
“I think my style of play will fit even better here at this level.”
Xavier forward Kerem Kanter, Enes Kanter’s brother, will work out for Knicks on Wednesday.