Few teams in the National Basketball Association have had poorer experiences with European players than the Knicks. The Dallas Mavericks get Dirk Nowitzki, while the Knicks get Fr?d?ric Weis. The Sacramento Kings land Peja Stojakovic, while the Knicks land Mirsad Turkcan. Tony Parker joins the San Antonio Spurs as a 19-year-old and a year later, helps the Spurs win a championship, while 22-year-old Milos Vujanic spurns the Knicks to remain overseas for two, maybe three, years.

But the Knicks' fortunes with foreign players may finally be turning. There is evidence that Maciej Lampe, a 6-foot-11 Polish forward the Knicks drafted with the 30th pick in June, can play. And just as important, there is a strong sense that Lampe will wear a Knicks uniform this season.

Lampe, 18, has competed strongly on the Knicks' two summer league teams, and the Knicks are confident that his contract with the Spanish League stalwart Real Madrid will not hinder him from joining them for training camp.

Lampe, who became the youngest player to play for Real Madrid when he signed a contract at age 15, has a $2 million buyout clause with the club.

But the Knicks and his agent, Keith Kreiter, are progressing toward a settlement (perhaps a reduction in the sum) with Real Madrid that will enable him to play for the Knicks this season. A league official said a deal could be reached before the end of this month.

Once that is taken care of, the Knicks will sign Lampe to a contract that will pay him less than $1 million this season.