" It's good to have friends in high places.

Chris Duhon is heading to the White House after the season, but not to be feted as part of a championship team. Despite being part of a franchise that will make yet another appearance in the lottery, the Knicks point guard has accepted an invitation to visit the White House over Kentucky Derby weekend -- the first Saturday in May.

Duhon is close friends with Reggie Love, President Obama's top personal aide who travels with the president everywhere, including the recent trip to England and Iraq. Duhon and Love played together at Duke and have maintained a solid friendship.

Love has wanted Duhon to come down for a D.C. visit, hang out with President Obama and see the inner workings of the White House. Duhon also was invited to the inauguration by Love, but passed because he didn't feel comfortable missing a Knicks' practice.

"We've been texting each other [since Inauguration Day], but we need the weekend to catch up face to face," Duhon told The Post. "I'll get a better feel how he's enjoying it. He wants me to see his office. I'm pretty sure I'll see Obama."

A year ago, Duhon played in a series of pickup games with Obama in Chicago when he was a Bull and Obama was a presidential hopeful. Duhon isn't sure if they will hoop it up during the weekend. Actually Duhon, who's played a career-high 2,820 minutes, would prefer to get away from basketball.

"I've played enough games," Duhon said. "I'd rather referee it or just have a free-throw contest."

Since taking the Oval Office, Obama has attended a Bulls game and a Wizards game in Washington. Duhon hopes to have the president and Love visit the World's Most Famous Arena next season as his guest.

"If they're in town and don't have anything to do, I'm sure he'll want to come to the Garden because he's a big basketball fan," Duhon said."