Defensive-minded Balkman eager for Knicks opener

Knicks such as Eddy Curry, Zach Randoloph, Stephon Marbury and Jamal Crawford can do the scoring. Balkman, who earned the sobriquet “The Plastic Man” at the University of South Carolina for his ability to twist and bend his sinewy 6-8 frame in odd directions, is more than happy to establish a reputation as a defensive stopper.

“It’s a great role for me,” Balkman said with a wide smile, hearing his name and “defensive stopper” in the same sentence. “Being known in the NBA as a defender is great.”

Balkman missed the preseason with a stress reaction in his right ankle and finally returned to practice Monday. He said he has tried to take his first couple of days slowly and hold back — as best he can — on the frenetic style that made him a fan favorite at the Garden.

“Right now, I’m probably not 100 percent,” Balkman said. “In my mind I am, but I know I’m not. But I’m still pushing myself to be 100 percent.”

Coach Isiah Thomas agrees. “Athletically he looks great but his timing is still a little off,” Thomas said Wednesday. “But he’s quick to recover. I’m sure he’ll be back into the swing of things very quickly. Defensively he’s very solid and that’s where we need him the most.”

There was some question as to whether Balkman would play in Friday’s season opener at Cleveland, though Thomas said if Balkman dressed, he definitely would play.

“I’ll dress Friday,” Balkman said.

Thomas later said he would not hesitate to bring Balkman off the bench and stick him on LeBron James for a different look. During a game against Houston last year, Thomas put Balkman on the 7-6 Yao Ming, who was lighting up whomever the Knicks put on him. Earlier this week in practice, Thomas had the long-reaching forward at some point guarding every position on the court.

“He has exceptional timing, great quickness and he just has a unique speed about him that he’s able to cover ground in a very short period of time,” Thomas said of Balkman’s defensive attributes. “He’s just different. A very different kind of athlete.”

Balkman, even less than 100 percent, said he would welcome the challenge of guarding the Cavaliers’ superstar, for as many minutes as he might get the opportunity. Quentin Richardson is expected to start against James.

“If I get thrown out against him , I’ll play my best and try to stop him,” Balkman said. “He’s an explosive player. I’ll go out there and try and play my best.