Many Knicks fans are wondering if rookie F Kevin Knox is the team's next superstar. He showcased his scoring ability and knack for the highlight-reel play during the Las Vegas Summer League, and head coach David Fizdale has expressed his excitement to coach him this season.

Well, former Knicks PG Charlie Ward sees superstar written all over Knox. Ward not only knows the 18-year-old well, but he knows his father even better.

Kevin Knox Sr. was Ward's favorite target when he was quarterback at Florida State in the early 1990s. Ward knew the elder Knox to have a strong personality during their time on the field together, which is something he doesn't see in Knox Jr.

That more quiet personality is one of the reasons Ward believes Knox Jr. has superstar potential.

"I'm grateful he's a Knick," Ward told The Post's Marc Berman. "I think he has the right mentality to be successful iln New York. He seems to have a mature approach and great understanding of where he is in his development. The kid is well-balanced, with an inner confidence and swagger to him while having a quiet demeanor -- which you need, especially being in New York.

"That's the kind of superstar you want -- a guy who will go about his business, not going to be talking much, but learning the ropes on how to get better each day. New York is a tough place to play, but you have to have thick skin. He's willing to listen and be coached. His whole mentality and attitude is one that will help him become a superstar in the league at some point."

Ward has already been making his mark with Knox Jr., introducing him to Knicks executive Allan Houston the day after he was drafted. He wanted Houston to take care of the Knoxes.

"I connected Allan with the dad and the son," Ward said. "Allan is another great role model and will be a great mentor for junior. I made that connection so they can have someone right there, hands on, to be able to help him through that transition and the dad will feel comfortable knowing there's someone there he can talk to that has been in [the son's] shoes. He'll help him not just from a basketball perspective but spiritual perspective and integrate him with the community."

Ward has hopes that with Knox, the Knicks can return to the powerhouse they once were.

"The Knicks are definitely going through hard times," Ward said. "It's unfortunate. There's been a lot of instability with administration, and that plays a big part. But it looks like they're working to rebound, developing through the draft, getting a lot younger."

Ward will be hoping their youngest player in Knox can help out immediately, and down the road, become one of the faces of the franchise. He's confident he has it in him.

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