NBA

Woodson says hands-off Phil is ‘letting me do my thing’

Knicks team president Phil Jackson referred to himself as “a magician’’ in his latest leadership book, “Eleven Rings,’’ for magically blending big egos into one unified team. But he’s not ready to sprinkle pixie dust on the rudderless 2013-14 squad fighting for its playoff life.

Jackson was at the Knicks’ Tarrytown facility Wednesday, but when the club resumed practice after a two-day hiatus, the Zen Master declined to watch. It likely is the last practice Woodson will conduct this season.

The Knicks cancelled Thursday’s practice in advance of Friday’s showdown in Toronto, and they might not practice again in the season’s final week because of a lack of healthy bodies.

Meanwhile, the greatest basketball mind/leader/coach of all time has yet to give Woodson any advice or input on what he has seen. Woodson said Jackson’s strategy appears to be to stay out of his way.

It also looks as if Jackson isn’t looking to create a bond with a coach he’s ready to fire after season’s end and bring in a coach who can institute his triangle offense such as Steve Kerr, Jim Cleamons, Brian Shaw or Kurt Rambis.

“I’m sure Phil is just — I gather he’s kind of staying out of the way and letting me do my thing in terms of trying to get this team in the playoffs,’’ Woodson said. “That’s OK. I’m sure when the time comes we’ll have a chance to sit down and talk and see where we are. But first things first. We’re in the playoff race trying to get this eighth spot. That’s where everybody’s focus should be.’’

Evidently, Jackson is trying to distance himself from this season’s 33-45 club — whose playoff chances hang by a thread.

The Hawks’ 105-97 win over the Celtics Wednesday night cut the Knicks’ tragic number to two. There’s a chance the Knicks can be eliminated Friday with a loss in Toronto and an Atlanta victory in Brooklyn. Nets coach Jason Kidd has already said he will rest some of his regulars against the Hawks. It looks like the Knicks will need to go 4-0 the rest of the way and hope Atlanta goes 1-3.

Woodson said Jackson is more intent with meeting with their scouts, though the Knicks don’t have a first- or second-round pick in June’s highly touted draft. Knicks general manager Steve Mills did watch practice.

As a coach, Jackson never was enamored by meddling general managers. Jackson feuded with former Bulls GM Jerry Krause and Lakers GM Jerry West — once cursing at West for entering the locker room while he was talking to the players after a game.

“He’s here conducting business, meeting with scouts and Steve, doing things he’s supposed to be doing,’’ Woodson said. “And he’s letting me coach. That’s all you can ask at this point. At the end of the day, we’re trying to get this team in the playoffs. And I’m sure when that time comes for Phil and I to talk, we’ll talk.’’

Woodson’s buddy, the apparently still-bitter Larry Brown, went off on his former team during a radio interview this week.

Brown said Mills has “no clue,’’ and Woodson was put in an unfair situation with Jackson being hired to clean house. Brown did not leave the Knicks on good terms, fired after one season and having a legal dispute over his contract.

“Larry’s his own guy,’’ Woodson said. “I have a great deal of respect for Larry. But Mike Woodson is his own guy as well. For me, it’s been a rollercoaster year for all of us. I’ve never shied away from taking responsibility of this team.’’

Later, during his weekly appearance on ESPN Radio, Woodson took responsibility for the Knicks’ disappointing season.

“I could’ve been better as a coach,” he said. “You can point the finger there as well. As a coach I take pride in what I do. I’ll never pass the buck on anybody. This season’s been tough for a lot of people. I take full responsibility.’’

Atlanta has put the Knicks on the brink.

“It’s hard,’’ Woodson said. “When it’s 20 games, you’re locked in on your own team and worry about what you’re doing. Now we got to keep a close eye on what Atlanta’s doing. Everything is triggered off what we do, but sure we’re watching.’’

“I think it’s going to be tough,’’ Amar’e Stoudemire said. “We put ourselves in this predicament.’’