New York Knicks: What To Do At the Draft?

The New York Knicks were looking to acquire the Washington's fifth overall pick, but the Wizards traded it to the Minnesota Timerwolves yesterday.

Knicks president Donnie Walsh said there is a 95 percent chance New York will not make a move before the NBA Draft.

The New York Daily News speculates that if Ricky Rubio, Stephen Curry, and Tyreke Evans are all off the board, the Knicks could look at Duke shooting guard Gerald Henderson with the eighth selection.

What makes Henderson appealing is his high basketball IQ and strong character traits. His father played in the NBA for 13 seasons, including a one-year stint with the Knicks.

But Henderson struggled during the NCAA Tournament, knocking down just 1-of-11 three-pointers in three games. He shot 1-for-14 in a 23-point loss to Villanova, which marked his final collegiate game.

Instead, the Knicks should be looking at guys like Johnny Flynn, Jrue Holliday, and Brandon Jennings with the No. 8 pick.

Possible scenarios:

1. The Knicks draft Flynn, Holiday, Jennings, Demar Derozan, Jordan Hill (if Curry and Evans are gone).

2. Trade up in the draft for Rubio or Curry.

3. Trade down in the draft and acquire another pick.

In other news: The Knicks extended qualifying offers to David Lee and Nate Robinson. This was an expected move that makes both players restricted free agents this summer.  

The team has the right to match any offer that Lee or Robinson receive on the free-agent market.