The Knicks received a fax from the reps of 7-5 center Pavel Podzokline yesterday, informing them the Russian giant was diagnosed Tuesday night with a pituitary gland disorder called Acromegaly.

It's roughly the same problem that afflicted former NBA 7-7 center Gheorghe Muresan, whose career was shortened by ankle and back injuries, which were believed to be related. Acromegaly occurs when the pituitary produces too much growth hormone.

The Knicks' reaction? They don't seem overly concerned and regard it as a "small issue."

GM Scott Layden called agent Justin Zanik yesterday to tell him the diagnosis had no effect on their interest, proving it by scheduling a second workout with the 18-year-old Russian battleship for either Tuesday or Wednesday. The NBA Draft is next Thursday.

The Knicks, who pick ninth, and the Heat, who select fifth, will be the only two teams to work out the 300-pound Russian giant twice.