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Agent Says Pickless Knicks 'Very, Very' Interested In P.J. Hairston

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It seems the Knicks have their eyes on talented-yet-troubled guard P.J. Hairston.

There's just one problem: New York doesn't have a single pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

"The interest level is very, very high," Hairston's agent told the New York Post. "You never know what (Knicks president) Phil Jackson has up his sleeve."

Hairston, who landed in the D-League after being declared ineligible by the NCAA, has had workouts with "about a dozen teams" -- including the Knicks -- and is expected to be taken in the first round, the Post reported.

The 21-year-old's career at North Carolina ended in December following an investigation into improper benefits stemming from several traffic incidents. Hairston was driving in vehicles rented by third parties, the NCAA said.

The Knicks could dangle Iman Shumpert in a trade or try to acquire a late pick with some cold, hard cash. Perhaps they'll miss out entirely. No matter what happens, Hairston's agent, Juan Morrow, said it wasn't a waste of time to work out for the legendary Zen Master.

"Any kid growing up watching Phil Jackson's teams, when he wants you to work out for him, you do it," Morrow said.

Hairston averaged 14.6 points and 4.3 rebounds for the Tar Heels in 2012-13. He dominated for Texas in the D-League with 21.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

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