NBA Draft 2012: 5 Crafty Options for New York Knicks in 2nd Round

The Knicks have the 48th pick in the 2012 NBA draft. They will look to select a player who can contribute right away.

The Knicks could use depth behind Tyson Chandler at center, some wing defenders and a backup point guard.

There are plenty of players who fit that mold in this draft.

While the 48th pick won't feature the top talent, there are still chances to find valuable contributors.

The Knicks should consider these five crafty options in the second round who will all help the team out.

Kyle O'Quinn

Kyle O'Quinn helped lead Norfolk State to an upset victory over Missouri in the NCAA tournament and would be a valuable addition to the Knicks.

The 6'10" O'Quinn would provide needed depth behind Tyson Chandler at center. He averaged almost 16 points and 10 rebounds a game last season.

He has an athletic skill set that should make him a quality contributor on both sides of the ball.

Chandler was the only true center on the team, and all the minutes took a toll. Adding someone like O'Quinn who can spell Chandler while providing quality minutes is a necessity. 

The Knicks can let O'Quinn develop a bit, because Chandler will play the majority of minutes. He has all the ability, but he will face a jump in competition. He did play well against Missouri, scoring 26 and grabbing 14 rebounds.

That game serves as a good reminder of what O'Quinn can do and will make sure he's not lost in the crowd.

At pick 48, O'Quinn is relatively low-risk and can, at his best, provide high-quality depth at a critical position. 

Kim English

The 6'4" English was a leader of the Missouri team and will play a valuable bench role in the NBA.

English averaged 14.5 points for the Tigers last season. 

He is a good scorer who can also handle the ball. 

He'll provide good wing defense for the Knicks, something that they don't have enough of. 

He's not a starter, but he could provide quality minutes off the bench as a scorer and lockdown defender.

English would provide depth at 2-guard and he would do a good job of doing so. He's a safe pick, but one who could contribute for years. 

English is not sexy, but the Knicks don't need sexy. They have their stars. They need role players, and English could be one of the best role players from this draft. 

Henry Sims

Henry Sims is a seven-foot center who projects as a defensive stud.

At Georgetown, Sims averaged 11.6 points and six rebounds this past season.

He has a nice 240-pound frame and can battle in the paint.

He is not the best offensively, and he does not always bring a consistent effort.

However, he has rare size and a budding skill set that can flourish in the NBA.

He's a good passer and would provide good depth for the Knicks at center, where they need it.

Sims has the potential to be better in the NBA than in college. The Knicks would be wise to take a chance on his potential. 

At No. 48, it's a bit of a low risk, but Sims has the potential to be like DeAndre Jordan—go from second-round pick to stud.

If Sims can do that, the Knicks will be very happy. 

Tu Holloway

The Knicks might have Jeremy Lin, but things are pretty uncertain after that. Even Lin is an uncertainty.

Lin is coming off an injury, so he's not a lock to return to Linsanity status. Baron Davis' career is likely over and Mike Bibby won't be back.

They need another point guard.

Tu Holloway could fill that role.

The six-foot senior is a good scorer who can get to the rim. He's a decent shooter and has a good feel defensively. 

He's not the fastest guy, and his lack of athleticism will hurt him. 

As a backup, however, Holloway might be a good fit. 

He won't be expected to lead the team, but he could spell Lin and provide good defense. He's capable of that.

With the 48th pick, the Knicks aren't looking for stars—just quality role players. Holloway will become just that. 

Festus Ezeli

Festus Ezeli is a 6'11", 255-pound center with good ability.

He has the great size and is a decent enough athlete. 

He needs to improve his rebounding, and he's mostly a dunker for now.

Yet, with his size, he has great potential.

With Chandler at center, Ezeli wouldn't be counted on right away. Given some time to develop, he could turn into a quality player. 

Chandler could be a quality mentor and help him in all facets of his game. Ezeli has the natural ability; it's about harnessing it now.

At No. 48, Ezeli could end up being a steal. He has the size the Knicks need and the athleticism they covet. He has some work to do, but if he can improve, he will be a solid backup center for the next few seasons.