#Knicks mailbag: Why Mike Woodson may return to New York

What is your view of [Mike] Woodson as a coach? My personal opinion is that he is very overrated. During his stint as a Knicks coach, he was relying a lot on [Jason] Kidd and [Rasheed] Wallace in end-game situations. What do you think? — Jean

Woodson did his best work with the Knicks (109-79). His performance wasn’t overrated in the least.

Before going 54-28 and reaching the second round of the playoffs in 2012-13, Woodson took over midstream for Mike D’Antoni, who couldn’t find a way to connect with Carmelo Anthony. Woodson reached Anthony more than any head coach ever has and the Knicks romped to an 18-6 finish in 2011-12.

Knicks president Leon Rose saw it firsthand as his agent — a clue to why he got this interview and perhaps will join the coaching staff. Woodson’s departure was only because new president Phil Jackson had to bring in his own staff.

“He got the most out of Carmelo and Amar’e [Stoudemire] by holding them accountable,’’ said one individual who has worked alongside Woodson.

The Post reported last month David Fizdale wanted Woodson on his staff, but the front office thought he was too high profile with Knicks fans to be his assistant.

After four seasons with the Clippers, Doc Rivers surprisingly didn’t bring him back for the 2018-19 campaign but one source felt Rivers’ staff was in need of a shake-up.

Woodson has told friends he desperately wants back in New York in any role and could even reunite with Anthony.

It’s already established the Knicks shouldn’t draft Cole Anthony if they want a “real” point guard. Is it possible he has it in his DNA to become a poor man’s Damian Lillard or an equivalent [of] Lou Williams? — Cee Fitz

Last month, Sports Illustrated weaved a long takeout on Anthony that harped on emotional quirks growing up. His ultracompetitiveness on the court led to, as one of his youth league coaches said, “The Cole Tantrum.’’

I hear the Cole camp was less than thrilled with the feature. Leon Rose said a lot of players in this draft are viewed by scouts with widely varying opinions. Anthony falls into that category.

Some scouts think he’s a natural-born scorer who fits into an era where the point guard needs to score more. Anthony’s supporters also believe having a former NBA veteran as a father (Greg Anthony) will prove a huge bonus.

But UNC finished 14–19, tied for last in the ACC. Anthony committed six turnovers in his finale — an 81–53 loss to Syracuse. It’s very much a risk-reward pick. If the Knicks fall back to the 7-to-10 range after the lottery on Aug. 25, it’s probably a no-brainer.

Should the Knicks try to give a max contract to a new rising superstar, such as Brandon Ingram? With him, [RJ] Barrett and [Mitchell] Robinson, do you think the Knicks could be exciting right away? — Henrique

The answer to the question is yes. They should offer a 22-year-old All-Star forward who averaged career highs in the major categories a max deal.

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But this isn’t Julius Randle leaving New Orleans for New York. Unfortunately, Ingram is a restricted free agent and the Pelicans can — and will — match the offer. GM David Griffin is building something special on Bourbon Street around Zion Williamson and the two have shown chemistry. Fingers crossed Williamson returns for the restart.

In your previous mailbag you said Damyean Dotson is as good as gone because he doesn’t have an attachment to [Leon] Rose or [GM Scott] Perry. Is the same said for Frank Ntilikina? — Akiva

Au contraire. Rose was Ntilikina’s first agent. While they parted ways after his second season amid bruised feelings, the sense is Rose wants to turn the Frenchman into a valuable piece. Rose said of Ntilikina on MSG Network that, “Given the right circumstances, I think [he] can really prosper.’’ Rose was likely referring to a steady role and structured offense. If Tom Thibodeau is hired as coach, he tends to favor defensive-first ballplayers such as the 6-foot-4 point guard.

Why hasn’t the name Byron Scott been brought to the table? He is in my estimation a viable candidate. — Michael Whittaker

When he led the Nets to two Finals, there were rumblings assistant Eddie Jordan was the Xs and Os mastermind. When Scott was fired, conflicting reports existed on Jason Kidd greasing the skids. Scott last coached the Lakers during their down period from 2014 to 2016. His 38–126 (.232) record is the worst of any of the 16 Lakers coaches with two seasons. One source says Scott wasn’t the hardest worker nor a fan of film study.