Nuggets rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay told confidants after the draft he was, in retrospect, happy the Knicks passed on him at No. 4, as he was unsure he would have been a good fit for the triangle. Despite public comments to the contrary that he felt team president Phil Jackson could “make me a star,’’ Mudiay said he felt he was a better match in a more freewheeling Denver offense, according to sources.

On draft night, Knicks fans were upset Jackson passed on Mudiay at 4, and he became the best rookie point guard in the Las Vegas summer league, averaging 12 points and 5.8 assists in four games. He also averaged 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals. But Mudiay’s outside shooting was poor, as advertised, and that wouldn’t have served well in the triangle. In Vegas, Mudiay shot 14.3 percent from 3-point land.

Mudiay, who played in China last season, only worked out for the top four teams in the draft — the Timberwolves, Lakers, 76ers and Knicks, denying the Nuggets a look. Rumors are the Kings passed on Mudiay at No. 6 because he didn’t work out for them. During Mudiay’s Knicks workout, Jackson gave him a long triangle film session.

Meanwhile, Knicks rookie point guard Jerian Grant stacked up well and certainly looked better than the No. 2 overall pick, the Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell, who averaged 11.8 points but shot 37.7 percent and averaged 3.2 assists and 5.2 turnovers.

Russell called his performance “not good,’’ saying he was too “nonchalant.’’

“Let’s make this clear, Russell is not Magic Johnson,’’ Lakers coach Byron Scott said. “Magic came in as a rookie and instantly he’s a Hall of Famer. D’Angelo has a long way to go — no doubt about that.’’

The wiry Grant, the 19th pick obtained from Atlanta, averaged 11.8 points on 39 percent shooting with 4.8 assists. He exploded to the basket at will but needs to get his legs stronger to become more consistent from long range.

Unsigned Greek swingman Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the Knicks’ 2014 “stash’’ second-round pick, was having an unremarkable summer league until his bust-out Friday finale — 17 points on 7-of-7 shooting, along with his trademark frenetic energy on defense with one block and a steal. The Post reported before the draft the Knicks were waffling on whether to sign him for training camp after his slightly disappointing season in the D-League. His Greek agent told The Post he would consider staying in Europe if he didn’t get a contract offer from the Knicks. Friday’s outing could tip the scales.

“I thought overall he was solid in the minutes he got,’’ Fisher said. “It wasn’t the best case scenario because we had Cleanthony [Early] as a young forward we’re trying to develop. [Friday] he was really great. That’s what being a professional is all about. It’s not about getting minutes every game, getting what you want the whole time but being ready when called upon. He did that [Friday]. We’ll have decisions to make going forward about what we want to do. He did everything he can do. I thought he finished the right way and left us with something to think about.’’

The future of undrafted 6-foot-9 power forward Maurice Ndour (9.6 points per game, 51.1 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds) of Ohio University is unclear. The Senegal native, who played Japanese high school basketball, impressed with his energy and mid-range shot, but Fisher indicated his camp invite could come with another team that affords more opportunity.

“Maurice was solid, he brought energy and activity to our game,’’ Fisher said. “He showed ability to shoot fairly well and defend, block shots, rebound. He represented himself well. We may not be able to keep him. Our roster’s filling up pretty fast.’’