At least Rick Jackson is familiar with Madison Square Garden.
SNY reports the Knicks worked out the Syracuse senior forward on Tuesday in preparation for the NBA Draft later this month.
“It would mean a lot to be back in the Garden with some Syracuse guys, a lot of fans,” Jackson told SNY. “It’s like I never left Syracuse, just to be down there and to feel the love. It would be a great experience.”
Jackson’s strengths at Syracuse were rebounding and interior defense, two things the Knicks could use. He was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year this season.
“They’ve got guys that can score the ball,” Jackson said. “I think whoever gets drafted there, it’s going to be about coming in and trying to play your role and finding a way to help the team.”
Jackson (6-9, 240) is projected to be a late second-round pick. The Knicks choose at No. 17 in the Draft, to be held June 23. They do not have a second-round pick, but could try to add one or sign Jackson as a free agent afterward.
Jackson averaged 13.1 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks this season. Syracuse played at least three games at the Garden in each of Jackson’s four seasons with the Orangemen.
Carmelo Anthony and Andy Rautins are the former Syracuse players on the Knicks’ roster.
BYU guard Jimmer Fredette will work out for the Knicks on Thursday.