By MARC BERMAN

Perhaps rookie Renaldo Balkman was not the best rookie on the floor Friday night at the Garden. Nets point guard Marcus Williams was. But Balkman still looked worthy of a first-round pick, his attributes even leaving Isiah Thomas at a loss to explain.

Thomas shocked the basketball world by selecting Balkman with the 20th pick over Williams, who torched the Knicks for 11 points in the game’s first five minutes Friday in their win over the Nets.

When Isiah was asked after the game how he thought Balkman did, Thomas gave a strange but telling answer.

“He’s a very unique player. When we drafted him, I knew he was unique. I haven’t quite figured out what to do with him. So we let him do a lot of things because he’s capable of doing a lot of things. But if you ask me specifically what it is he does, I couldn’t tell you. I just know he’s kind of everywhere. We just let him be everywhere.”

His dreadlocks flying around, Balkman scored 11 points with 7 rebounds in 15 minutes. He’s always around the ball, blocking a shot, getting a board, slinking free underneath for a pass and layup. He even drained a 3-pointer from the corner after which he did a little dance.

Had it not been for the signing of Jared Jeffries, there’s no question Balkman would have earned minutes in the rotation. With Quentin Richardson having a strong camp, Thomas had given strong hints Balkman may be out of the rotation. That is, unless they trade Quentin.

Balkman seemed a lot more into it than the $30 million man, Jeffries. Tonight in Philly, Thomas tinkered with the starting lineup, started Jalen Rose at small forward and Jamal Crawford at shooting guard.

“Oh yeah, I played hard,” Balkman said when asked if he feels he increased his chances of making the rotation.

Indeed, he is an unorthodox type and his college coach Dave Odom actually benched him for his inconsistency last season. But in Isiah’s freewheeling offense, Balkman is sometimes given responsibilities of pushing the ball up the court like a point guard, grabbing a rebound and racing out. Imagine if Thomas did the right thing and taken Williams at 20 and Balkman at 29.

Halfcourt sets is where Balkman’s limited offensive skills becomes evident. “College I wasn’t shooting at all,” Balkman said.

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Portland’s top scout John Gabriel continues to shadow the Knicks. He’s here again tonight in Philly. The Blazers have had interest in Richardson.

It’s unfair to the fans who pay full price for exhibition games. Friday, Jason Kidd and Vince Carter did not play vs. the Knicks. Tonight here in Philly, Chris Webber and Samuel Dalembert are out.