Chris Taft may be learning what even the Tick knows. Seems that Taft should not be planning (Insider Subs.) to hang out in the Green Room of MSG for Draft Night.

Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon keeps getting reports that sophomore forward Chris Taft is falling so far that he might sail out of the first round.

Dixon finds it hard to believe, since Taft was considered a lottery pick at one point. Taft signed with an agent, so he can’t return to school.

Still a bit of a surprise. As the cliche goes, “You can’t teach size.” If he slides even to the end of the 1st round, a team should get a very motivated Taft — for a year.

Taft is all over the various draft boards. Some have him out of the lottery, others right at the end.

That said, I don’t get this article talking about Taft as being soft.

Where Taft will go is guesswork. His stock has slipped in some eyes because of issues ranging from conditioning to a “soft” label. But he lost weight since his 13.3-point, 7.5-rebound sophomore season ended at Pitt. And he went hard at his Nets workout that also included guard Larry O’Bannon of Louisville, guard Peter Mulligan of Manhattan and Serbian forward Marko Lekic.

“[Taft’s] body’s not soft. That’s what people are saying, but he competed very hard,” said Nets GM Ed Stefanski, who noted Taft is “a legitimate four-man, size wise. He’s got an NBA body right now. He lost considerable weight since his days at Pittsburgh.”

Taft, naturally, disputed the raps, noting: “I guarantee you anybody who plays against me [doesn’t] say I’m soft because I’m going to play as hard as I can. Ask the Nets people. I don’t see myself as being soft.”

His physical conditioning was never an issue. It has always been an issue of mental toughness, motivation and desire.

I hope I’m wrong, but Taft will likely drive a team and fans crazy. He has all the physical tools. He will tantalize for spells with inspired and strong play, and then just try to coast. Not put the effort.