NBA Draft 2012: New York Knicks' Biggest Needs

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The New York Knicks, by all accounts, had a very interesting 2011-2012 season.

First, there was the Jeremy Lin saga.

Then, of course, they lost most of the team to injury.

Mike D'Antoni was fired.

Amar'e punched a fire extinguisher. 

At this point, their future is up in the air. This offseason needs to be a proving ground for them as they try figure out where they are going and what kind of team they want to continue to build. 

Currently without a first round pick, and projected to pick 48th in the second round, the Knicks need to make that pick count. It is possible to pick impact players in the second round. 

This slideshow is dedicated to the five biggest needs the New York Knicks have and which they should consider while drafting. 

Point Guard

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If Jeremy Lin isn't the starting point guard for the Knicks next year, than something had to have gone horribly wrong.

Due to receive a huge paycheck, Lin has pretty much solidified his role as the Knicks' starting floor general. With veterans Baron Davis and Mike Bibby, The both of them are unrestricted free agents. 

Besides Lin, New York doesn't have much in the way of point guards. Baron Davis may be injured for awhile and Mike Bibby needs to just retire already.

The team in Big Apple definitely needs to consider drafting a floor general to develop under Lin, while also finding a solid veteran guard that can mentor both Lin and the new rookie (Andre Miller or Kirk Hinrich come to mind). 

J'Covan Brown out of Texas or international prospect Tomas Satoransky should be available at this point. Tyshawn Taylor out of Kansas and Scott Machado from Iona may be as well.

Undersized shooting guards could also work well for the team. Players like Kim English (Missouri), Will Barton (Memphis) or Alex Young (IUPUI) would fit well. 

However they swing it, New York definitely needs some help. 

Shooting Guard

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JR Smith will be an unrestricted free agent and Landry Fields will be a restricted free agent. While Carmelo Anthony can play the two-guard spot when needed, the Knicks need to find themselves a true shooting guard.

While Kim English is their best bet, they can also consider taking Evan Fournier, if he happens to fall to them. Not much is known on the prospect out of France.

They could also consider William Buford out of Ohio State, who is expanding his range as a jump shooter. Not only would they get a decent shooter out of Buford, but they would get explosive aggression and agility. The guy is an athlete. 

Shooter

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With Steve Novak possibly taking his talents elsewhere and JR Smith a free agent, the Knicks definitely need to find themselves a fantastic shooter in the draft. While it would for them to get a guard and a shooter at the same time, this may not be possible. Plenty of shooting specialists will be available in the draft.

One that can shoot well from behind the arc is a glaring need for them. Kim English of Missouri would be the best bet for them. 

He will most likely be available once their pick finally rolls around. English has a high basketball IQ, with incredible catch-and-release skills. He would definitely fill a need for New York. 

Backup Big Man

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After Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, the Knicks are very weak down low. They do have Jerome Jordan and Josh Harrelson, but do they really intimidate opposing offenses?

When Tyson is off the floor, do they have a guy who can step in and keep the opponent from the rim? 

They do not.

A defense stopper and specialist is something the team couldn't hurt to find in the upcoming draft. They don't need an offensive threat, they have plenty of offensive weapons on the team. 

With the 48th pick, Quincy Acy (Baylor) or Robert Sacre (Gonzaga) could do wonders for the squad. While Acy is a bit undersized at 6'6" for a power foward, he shows incredible work ethic and hustle, which is something that always seems to be dramatically undervalued in the Draft. Look at what happened with Kenneth Faried.

Robert Sacre has the prototypical center size at 6'11" and 260 pounds. According to NBADraft.net, he is the classic "old school" center with plenty of back-to-the-basket skills all as well as defensive skills and good shot-blocking.