New York Knicks Draft Grade

Hot Stove New York by Senior Writer Written on June 29, 2009
NEW YORK - JUNE 26: New York Knicks 2009 first round draft picks Toney Douglas #23 (29th overall) and Jordan Hill #43 (8th overall) look on during batting practice before the game against the New York Yankees and the new York Mets on June 26, 2009 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Jordan Hill—University of Arizona, No. 8 overall

With Tyreke Evans, Ricky Rubio, Johnny Flynn and Stephen Curry all off the board,  the Knicks selected Hill.

The 6′10″ junior forward averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Wildcats last season. He played for three different coaches at Arizona but improved his scoring and rebounding each season.

Donnie Walsh was high on his athleticism, ability to run the floor, and knack for blocking shots. Drafting Hill also provides insurance if the Knicks make a sign and trade with David Lee.

 

Toney Douglas—Florida State University, No. 29 overall

The Knicks purchased this pick from the Lakers for $3 million dollars. 

Douglas was an All-America Third Team selection and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. The 6′2″ guard averaged 21.8 points to lead the ACC.

The senior also guided the Seminoles to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade and into the ACC Tournament championship game another first time for FSU. 

He also provides the Knicks insurance if they decide to make a sign and trade with Nate Robinson. His brother Harry Douglas, was a NFL third round pick by the Falcons last season.

 

Knicks acquire Darko Milicic for Quentin Richardson

Both players have expiring contracts but Darko gives the team an inside presence.

Wilson Chandler led the Knicks with .9 blocked shots per game last season. Darko has a career average of 1.2 blocks per game and can lead the team in this department with enough playing time.

He will be known as one of the biggest busts in NBA Draft history (picked ahead of Carmelo Anthony) but at least he's still in the league unlike the Knicks selection that year, Mike Sweetney.

He is also just 24-years old and has the potential to grow in Knicks' offense. Last season Richardson averaged just 10.3 points and shot 39 percent from the field

Overall Grade: B-

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written on June 29, 2009 Sports

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