But when the Knicks hired Derek Fisher as coach, he thought Aldrich, his former Oklahoma City teammate, would be a nice fit for a franchise in need of a culture change: somebody with a solid work ethic who would be a positive presence, whether he was awarded playing time or not.

“He’s a great guy to have on a team,” Fisher said. “He’s not a guy that tries to always lead in a vocal way, but he’s definitely become somewhat of a leader just in his approach and being an example of how you work at what you do.”

When the Knicks play the Clippers on Wednesday, they are expected to have Bargnani, who has yet to play this season because of calf and hamstring injuries. He made it through Tuesday’s practice without any problems. Fisher is also planning on having Carmelo Anthony, who sat out the second half of Sunday’s loss at Portland with a sore knee.

Jackson observed the practice at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica, which had photos on the wall of Fisher and his former Lakers teammates Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom. On his way out the door, Jackson said he would be at Wednesday’s game.

As Jackson assesses what parts will be useful — or trade fodder — next year, Aldrich could be an intriguing figure. His jumper may look awkward and his movement ungainly, but his recent production — and his ability to pass the ball in the midpost area of the triangle offense — have been modest bright spots in a season with few of them.

The way Aldrich throws his body around the basket, it is surprising he has not knocked out others’ teeth. At Kansas, he also sustained a broken nose, which is evident in the right turn his nose makes near the tip. As for the tooth, all he remembers is getting hit in the Big 12 opener against Kansas State in his sophomore season.