Javaris Crittenton Works Out For Knicks

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ, June 18, 2007 -- Remarkably for a ‘mere’ college freshman, Javaris Crittenton deeply appreciates history. “I talk to Kenny (Anderson) and Mark (Price) all the time,’’ he said after finishing his joint Knicks-Nets NBA Draft workout. ”I’ve even talked to Travis (Best) once or twice. I haven’t talked to Stephon (Marbury), but I want to. It’s great to have my name mentioned in the same sentence with those guys. It’s amazing to be a part of such a rich point guard tradition at Georgia Tech.”

Yet, who does he pattern himself after? “A lot of people say I remind them of Baron Davis,’’ the 6-5 Crittenton, 198-pound said. “And I can see that, with my size and everything. But, more than anyone, I strive to play like Jason Kidd. He makes the right decision, the right play, EVERY time down the court.”

“And, bottom line, that is what point guard play is all about. So I look up to him a lot.”

“Even right now, I know I can bring athleticism, good distribution, and shooting ability to a NBA team,” the self-effacing Crittenton shook his head. “I’m a playmaker. But that decision-making thing…that only comes with experience.”

Best friend, and not-so-long-ago high school teammate, Dwight Howard is trying to give Crittenton leg up regarding that. “I talk to him a lot,” says. “Trying to gather information about the NBA, what goes on as to on and off the court. He tells me it’s more than basketball. It’s a business.”

“So you’ve got to have good character. Dwight says that’s as important as anything else.”'

“I would be happy to play anywhere in the NBA -- but it would be unbelievable to play for Isiah Thomas,” said Crittenton. “That would be something. I’ve watched a lot of film of ‘Zeke’. I mean, someone that great to learn the position from? He is definitely someone who could elevate me to that next level.”