KNICKS NOT SHY
By MARC BERMAN
June 19, 2003 -- The Knicks received a fax from the reps of 7-5 center Pavel Podzokline yesterday, informing them the Russian giant was diagnosed Tuesday night with a pituitary gland disorder called Acromegaly.
It's roughly the same problem that afflicted former NBA 7-7 center Gheorghe Muresan, whose career was shortened by ankle and back injuries, which were believed to be related. Acromegaly occurs when the pituitary produces too much growth hormone.
The Knicks' reaction? They don't seem overly concerned and regard it as a "small issue."
GM Scott Layden called agent Justin Zanik yesterday to tell him the diagnosis had no effect on their interest, proving it by scheduling a second workout with the 18-year-old Russian battleship for either Tuesday or Wednesday. The NBA Draft is next Thursday.
The Knicks, who pick ninth, and the Heat, who select fifth, will be the only two teams to work out the 300-pound Russian giant twice.
Toronto has considered him at No. 4 and could be a blockbuster trade partner as the Knicks are considering moving up to get Podzokline. They could offer their 30th pick (first selection of the second round received from Denver). Point-guard-of-the-future Milos Vujanic, who, the Knicks fear, could stay in Barcelona for two more seasons, is also trade bait, as is Latrell Sprewell.
The Knicks could trade down if none of the big men they crave is still on the board. Seven-foot center Chris Kaman is their next-rated center and Mike Sweetney and Chris Bosh are high on their power-forward board.
In an e-mailed letter to Knick fans, Layden wrote he will "use the resources we have to find ways to improve the team. We currently have three picks - No. 9, 30 and 39, which we feel will be used in any number of ways to improve our team for the future. We are looking at many scenarios, from trades to using the picks themselves."
The Post reported yesterday Podzokline tested for a pituitary gland disorder at the Chicago pre-draft camp two weeks ago. Zanik confirmed yesterday test results came back positive, and Podzokline will undergo an operation in August - after summer league - and will be sidelined two to four weeks.
Zanik has refused to compare Podzokline's condition to Muresan's because he will receive treatment at a much younger age than Muresan. Zanik claims he spoke to 21 teams yesterday with none expressing concern.
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