LAYDEN STILL HOT FOR NESTEROVIC
By MARC BERMAN
July 2, 2003 -- Agent Bill Duffy knew the Knicks would again be interested in Timberwolves 7-foot center Rasho Nesterovic come July 1, but even he was impressed by Knicks GM Scott Layden's pitch.
Layden phoned Duffy at three minutes past midnight yesterday morning when free-agent negotiations were allowed to begin, telling the agent Nesterovic was his "No. 1 priority."
Layden also expressed interest in point guard Speedy Claxton, but so did 11 other teams. Claxton already has a visit set up with Orlando.
Duffy also is the agent of Clippers free-agent center Michael Olowokandi, but Duffy said, "Rasho is his No. 1 choice. He told me he thinks Rasho could turn into the best center in the East."
As reported exclusively in Sunday's Post, the Knicks are making another play for Nesterovic after failing last summer. Layden kept with his policy of not commenting on free agency's first day. Nesterovic can be had for the $4.9 million mid-level exception - increased from last year's $4.5M amount - or in a sign-and-trade.
Meanwhile, T'Wolves swingman Wally Szczerbiak pleaded with GM Kevin McHale yesterday to re-sign Nesterovic.
"He's pretty darn good and he's a center," said Szczerbiak before signing autographs at the Knicks' summer basketball kids camp at Hempstead's Island Garden.
"In this league, centers are tough to come by. We've groomed him four, five years. He's gotten better each year. He's even going to get better from here on out, so I'm hoping we can re-sign him. He's a hot commodity."
Then Szczerbiak revealed, "He's always had the ability, had the talent but some of the guys really got on his case. It was one of those situations they didn't try to pull the best out of him. This year they didn't do that."
A source said Szczerbiak was referring to teammate Kevin Garnett.
"Some of the guys used to get on him," Szczerbiak added. "It's hard for the transition, culturally, socially. It's a different world."
Nesterovic, 27, averaged 11.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks in 30 minutes while posting a 52.5 shooting percentage.
Layden also has called the reps for P.J. Brown, Brad Miller, Andre Miller and Gary Payton, among others.
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