What's the one need the Knicks have heading into the draft?
Well, that's where the problems begin. There is no single player that can turn this team from chump to champ.
Isiah Thomas, and his predecessor Scott Layden, have combined to bury what was once a great franchise. The Knicks have the highest payroll, and the 6th pick in this year's upcoming draft following an abysmal season.
The Knicks have had a few players in for workouts so far including, Jerryd Bayless, Eric Gordon, Russel Westbrook, Joe Alexander, Chase Buddinger, and Javale McGee.
However, most mock drafts have the Knicks selecting someone out of the group of O.J. Mayo (if he's available), Anthony Randolph, or Danilo Gallinari.
Mayo and Randolph have plenty of upside and could turn out be great pros. However both, especially Randolph, could use more experience.
So who should the Knicks take with the 6th pick?
It might be less about who they should take as compared to who they should be trying to get rid of. The Knicks' main focus heading into the draft should be how they can package the pick with either Zach Randolph or Eddy Curry.
When Donnie Walsh took over for Isiah Thomas he discussed that one of the goals for the franchise was to be under the cap heading into the 2010 offseason. An offseason featuring a free agent class including Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.
In order to do that the Knicks must get out from some of the big contracts they currently have on the roster.
One trade possibility floating around involves the Knicks trading the No. 6 pick, along with Randolph, to the 76ers for the No. 16 pick and Reggie Evans.
While Reggie Evans wouldn't turn this team around next season, the cap flexibility gained by trading Randolph would be well worth it. Also, with the 16th pick the Knicks would be able to take someone along the lines of a Joe Alexander, Chase Buddinger, or DJ Augustin.
One thing is for sure, this team is a long way away from competing at a high level again. However, what they do in this year's draft could go along way in helping them rebuild this once proud franchise.
comments (1) write a comment »
write a new comment
3 months ago
Joe Alexander and DJ Augustin will not be available come #16. Alexanders stock is on the rise and DJ might very well be in line to go to the Pacers at #11 who desperately need a PG. Chase Buddinger is a SG progected to go in the 20's. The only thing the Knicks have no business shopping for is a SG. Jamal Crawford is the player on the Knicks best suited to Mike D's system.
Mo Cheecks is a fan of Zachs from their days in Portland together. The Sixers are also in major need of a PF. Zach is a 20-10 player. Taking all those into consideration along with the Knicks taking back very little in return, is there really a need to part with the #6 pick as well?!? I think not.
Lastly, as an avid knicks fan I would love to see Lebron here. Not only is he the best basketball player(Kobe couldnt have ran Detroit off by himself like Lebron) today but he's also a classy kid(no rape accusations, fights with teammates, and trade demands like Kobe). If the Knick just give everything away what is to lure Lebron here? They may have the money in 2010 but if they have absolutely no team you can forget about Lebron. You cant live and die by the IDEA of Lebron especially being there would be just as good of a chance of the Nets stepping up, with his friend Jay Z leading the charge, to sign Lebron.
write a new comment