For the first time, Knicks GM Scott Layden yesterday publicly acknowledged his interest in Jerome James, saying Seattle's 7-1, 280-pound center is "intriguing."

James visited the Knicks Friday night and Saturday. Layden, Don Chaney and assistant GM Jeff Nix showed James around Manhattan and Westchester, even touring their nearly completed practice facility in Greenburgh. None of the Knicks under contract has even seen the new practice digs yet. James also had a 50-minute private meeting with Chaney that agent Marc Fleisher said went very well.

"We felt we had a very good visit with Jerome and Marc and it was a very good introductory meeting, a-get-to-know-you meeting," Layden said. "They got to know us. We got to know them.

"Obviously, [Jerome's] a very good player," Layden added. "He has skills that are intriguing."

Marc Berman writes that the Knicks can sign James by using their $4.7 million exception Wednesday, with Seattle unlikely to match a long-term deal. The Knicks are also trying to swing a sign-and-trade with Minnesota for center Rasho Nesterovic. Layden said there could be another recruiting visit, possibly by Michael Doleac, Keon Clark or James again.