It's right back up the New Jersey Turnpike for Keith Van Horn, who comes to New York with a big contract, and a reputation for being soft and a history of disappearing in fourth quarters.

Just what the Knicks don't need.

Van Horn's "maximum money" contract calls for $13 million this season, $14.5 million next season and $15.5 million in 2005-06. Adding $43 million in guaranteed salary to their already bloated payroll, the Knicks are taking on a player whose two previous teams, the Nets and Sixers, felt they didn't get enough bang for their bucks.

"He's a good player," said one Eastern Conference GM. "But when you pay a guy 'max money' and he's not a 'max-money player,' there's going to be problems."

Just ask Allan Houston, right? In Van Horn's case, he might have some trouble in New York matching his productivity from last season, when he averaged 16points on 48% shooting for the Sixers. But by trading for him, the Knicks obviously aren't expecting much out Antonio McDyess, who continues to rehab from major knee surgery, or No.1pick Mike Sweetney, an undersized power forward who has struggled in summer-league play.

"Van Horn is not strong enough to be a post-up player, and he's not quick enough to get past quicker threes by driving the ball," said one Eastern Conference scout. "With the Knicks, he won't have an easy time getting shots. He needs to play with a point who can penetrate and kick it out to him on the wing, where he has three-point range."