NEW YORK — Those in the know reveal Jerry Reinsdorf's business-like approach (vs. Donnie Walsh's unchecked enthusiasm) in Mike D'Antoni's recruitment was the major factor for choosing the Knicks over the Bulls.

"Mike was going to get paid about the same ($24 million over four years) no matter which team he went with, so his decision wasn't based on money" one source stressed. "Reinsdorf turned Mike off because his attitude was too reminiscent of (Suns owner Robert) Sarver."

This is perfectly illustrated by the fact that both owners angled to catch a financial break (I thought it wasn't about money) on the two years remaining on D'Antoni's contract.

Rather than outright fire his head coach and be obliged for the $8.5 million guarantee, Sarver gave him permission to seek employment elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Reinsdorf told D'Antoni he felt the Suns should have to pay a portion of the debt which would then soften the impact (offset) of his investment.

"Mike believed Jerry ultimately would pay him the same ballpark figures that the Knicks were offering, but who knew if he would force the issue and for how long?" another source explained. "Better to go where you're coveted while they still covet you."

At the same time, did you catch D'Antoni's expression when the Bulls won the Draft Lottery?

Still, congratulations to the Bulls, for bucking their 1.7 percent chance and winning the lottery.

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I read the Suns are interested in bringing in Paul Silas, or his tough-guy type, as a first assistant (for Mark Jackson, Jeff Hornacek, Terry Porter, whomever) to act as a disciplinarian, particularly pertaining to Amare Stoudemire.

That's unsound thinking, it says here.

Control must radiate from the pack leader. Not only won't the corrections have any teeth if made by Deputy Dog, but the process undermines the authority of the guy in charge.

Either the head coach can demand and command the respect and attention to detail of all the Suns or he isn't qualified for the job.

Assistants should be there to put an arm around the called-out player, explain to him why it was necessary, "and now let's get to work on doing what the coach wants."

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The two-week old (supposed) Nets-Nuggets trade talk involving Carmelo Anthony, Richard Jefferson, Marcus Camby, etc. puzzlingly continues to get circulated throughout the league despite denials by a trusted Denver denizen.

Unless Melo and Michael (The Wire) have gone into business on Baltimore's corners, or something equally soiled, it's absurd to think the "Imperial" Anthony is available.

Allen Iverson is a different story. On the final year of his deal, it's highly unlikely he'll get a stratospheric, long-term commitment from the Nuggets.

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Imagine the uproar by Knicks' fans if the Bulls had won the Draft Lottery off Isiah Thomas' acquisition of Eddy Curry!

Column contributor Phil Marmanillo figures, "assigning Isiah to scout your potential first-rounder in Europe is like sending Barack Obama out to select a preacher for your daughter's wedding."

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I haven't seen a Hollywood comeback like the Lakers pulled off in Game 1 since John Travolta was practicing a real religion.

Not for nothing, but how is it possible for a Kobe scout troop — playing in their own den, no less — to allow any opponent to get up by 20?

That the Spurs scored 14 of the first 16 points after intermission was as unconscionable as oil company profits.

Willie Randolph went so far as to imply it was a racial thing.

After going 10-for-18 in the second half, Kobe casually remarked, "I can get off any time I like."

In view of what's being alleged about Kobe and an ex-Laker Girl, he should have chosen his words a little more carefully.

As good as Gregg Popovich was in Game 7 in New Orleans, how could he keep trotting out an ice cold Michael Finley when Brent Barry, who didn't play a second in Game 7, was available and the team kept shooting blanks?

Taking out Bruce Bowen when he picked up personal foul No. 3 midway through the third didn't help, either.

That's when Kobe got rolling (none too soon for Peja Stojakovic who was growing appalled by Bryant's barely breathing), and the Bowen-constrictor didn't come back in until the beginning of the fourth.

Peter Vecsey covers the NBA for the New York Post.