While Azubuike Heals, D’Antoni Fiddles

After lunging, hopping and backpedaling, Kelenna Azubuike stopped, grabbed a ball, dribbled a few times and gazed pensively across the room.

His Knicks teammates were scrimmaging Friday afternoon, and Azubuike had the look of a kid who got passed over when teams were chosen. He watched a few plays, then put a large strap around his waist and went back to resistance training.

As Coach Mike D’Antoni continues tinkering with lineups, Azubuike stands as the great what-if of training camp: as in, what if he were healthy and playing?

Azubuike is strong and athletic, a rugged defender, accomplished 3-point shooter and probably the Knicks’ best all-around shooting guard. He is bigger than Roger Mason, more experienced than Bill Walker and a better shooter than Wilson Chandler.

But it will be weeks before Azubuike can show any of that. He is still rebuilding strength in his surgically repaired left knee. He speaks hopefully of returning by opening night, but it sounds like wishful thinking. He has yet to run at full speed or test the knee under game conditions.

“I’m not counting on him before Christmas,” D’Antoni said Friday.

It was a flippant remark, not a medical prognosis, but the point was clear: Until Azubuike is at full strength, he is not part of the Knicks’ plans.