By MARC BERMAN

CHICAGO — Bits and pieces from the NBA Draft combine in Chicago:

Most NBA executives made a mistake when David Lee came out of Florida. Lee was selected 30th in the 2006 Draft, last pick of the first round. He would’ve been a second-rounder if not for a good showing at the draft combine in Chitown.

Tyler Hansbrough, the linchpin of North Carolina’s national championship team, says will be making a mistake too if he lasts that long this June 25.

Speaking at the NBA Draft Combine today, Hansbrough said he believes in the Lee comparison.

“That’s who I compare myself to, a rebounder, an energy player, a Missouri guy,” Hansbrough said. The Tar Heels power forward grew up in Missouri like Lee.

“I’ll go higher than (30),” Hansbrough said. “David’s proven he’s a lot better than a 30th pick. He was a beast in high school.”

Hansbrough played in the same AAU program as Lee. Again, Hansbrough, many scouts believe, does not have a game that translates to the NBA.

“A lot of people think I’m not that skilled because I work so hard,” Hansbrough said.

Hansbrough grew up watching Lee, a St. Louis native.

“He was a beast in high school,” Hansbrough said. “Dave’s very athletic, I’ll tell you that.”

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Davidson’s Stephen Curry will meet with Donnie Walsh, Allan Houston and Mike D’Antoni tonight at the Westin for a 30-minute interview. Curry is more nervous about that interview than any other because of all the publicity linking him with the Knicks. Davidson coach Bob McKillip joined Curry here. … Word from Knicks brass is the other Curry – Eddy – looked in much better shape when Donnie visited him in Detroit yesterday on his way to Chitown. … Players worked out and took their physicals at a Chicago gym this morning, then were brought back to the Westin to meet the media. All the workouts were closed to reporters. … USC SG DeMar DeRozan, my sleeper pick if he lasts till 8, compared himself to Vince Carter as far as leaping and dunking ability. When told it was a brash remark, DeRozan amended it to the Carter of now, not seven years ago. … Hasheem Thabeet on Dikembe Mutombo comparison. “I think I can have a great career too.” Thabeet and Walsh exchanged handshakes in the lobby. Walsh interviewed Thabeet last night but the Knicks would have to move up to get the shotblocker extraordinaire. … Walsh and agent Mark Bartlestein had a meeting in the lobby, but both made sure to say, “It’s about the draft.” Bartlestein represents Lee, a free agent. Technically they can’t speak about Lee till July 1.