It’s my favorite time of the basketball year, the NBA draft. A time of optimism, intrigue and wild speculation. The Knicks have the 17th pick in a draft with little star power — maybe no star power — but, with a lot of players who seem more than capable of helping teams. From my estimation, there seems to be little difference in talent from about the 15th to 35th picks, and that would seem to be supported by the wild lack of consensus among the different mock drafts.
Because there isn’t too much talent out there, and because the Knicks already have 2 star talents in Amar’e and Melo, it would seem that the Knicks will draft based on need. What are the Knicks needs? Rebounding. More rebounding. A center who can rebound and defend. A backup PF who can spell Amar’e. A point guard capable of running the offense in Chauncey’s absence and eventual departure. Some spot up shooters who can knock down the three and spread the floor for our all-star tandem.
Considering how difficult it is to fill the center position and the inflated salaries big men consequently get signed to, I’m hoping the Knicks use their 17th pick on size.
Nikola Vucevic is a legit center. He pulled down 10+ rebounds, most on the defensive end. He can shoot the outside shot. He’s not much of a banger (doesn’t draw many fouls), and doesn’t block a lot of shots, but he plays with a high basketball IQ, is a physical specimen and seems to have inherited the professional ballers mindset (his father played for 24 seasons!).
Kenneth Faried measures as a PF, but is deceptively long and would know what his role is: rebound and defend. I don’t think people question his rebounding at the next level, but can he defend centers and strong PF’s? Amar’e is sick of playing center, but if Faried can take some of the tougher defensive assignments he might be a great front court partner. I think D’Antoni would find a way to make it work.
Markeiff Morris seems to be more PF than center and doesn’t have the size issues that Faried does. He also rebounded at a good rate and shot excellently from 3 point college range. He seems an excellent fit to me despite not being a center. He certainly adds some much needed front court depth.
Donatas Motiejunas is a wildcard. Yes he measures big, and brings shooting and a silky offensive game to the Knicks, but his rebounding and defense are poor. There is a lot of potential there, but can the Knicks live with his deficiencies?
And if the Knicks draft a point guard for the future or a shooter?
Jimmer. I know… He’s another offensive player who doesn’t play D and we don’t need that. But, I’d take him because he’s so offensively dynamic. A Jimmer pick and roll would be deadly. He’d be able to spread the floor when he doesn’t have the ball. He’s too good offensively to pass up.
Iman Shumpert. The anti Jimmer. Not a good shooter, but super athletic in the mold of Russell Westbrook. But, the Knicks would be drafting him as much for his much heralded defensive tenacity. At 17 I think he’s a reach, but it wouldn’t give me a heart attack if we draft him.
Darius Morris. A pure point guard. Apparently the most improved player in college last season. He had the best assist per 40 minute numbers of all the prospective point guards, but can’t/doesn’t shoot. Not being sold as a dynamic guy, but he can pass. Again, a reach at 17.
The hope is that the Knicks will be able to buy another pick or two later in the draft. And maybe that’s when you get your guard. There are a ton of interesting prospects that should be available early in the second round including: Josh Selby (Monta Ellis like?), Norris Cole, Shelvin Mack, Nolan Smith, Andrew Goldelock (“Jimmer range”). Let’s hope someone owes Donnie a favor!
