Knicks Rumors: Latest Rumblings Surrounding New York's Draft Plans

After a worse season than even president Phil Jackson could have predicted, the New York Knicks go back to the drawing board with a top selection in the 2015 NBA draft.

Before Tuesday's lottery selection show, where Jackson and the front office learn their fate, there has been plenty of rumbling surrounding the organization as the team kicks its long-term plan into high gear.

Step one? Land what should be a top-five prospect. Step two? Lure major free agents to town over the next summer or two to pair with said prospect and Carmelo Anthony.

Right now, step one is the hiccup. Here's the latest.

Which Position to Address?

Jackson can go a few ways with what figures to be a high pick.

The Knicks could go with a guard to run with the young combo of Shane Larkin and Langston Galloway or upgrade beneath the basket on either Andrea Bargnani or Louis Amundson.

As ESPN.com's Ian Begley captures, this seems to be the great divide among the powers in charge: "In fact, according to ESPN Insider Chad Ford, there is 'complicated debate' among the Knicks front office regarding Okafor and the two top point guards—D'Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay."

Neither of the guards are bad options, of course. D'Angelo Russell is an outstanding combo guard who can score at will one year removed from averaging 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

Emmanuel Mudiay is a lesser-known commodity after playing in China, but he's of the John Wall ilk in that he can use his elite athleticism to get others involved but struggles when it comes to shooting.

It seems at least one interior prospect is out of the equation at the moment, as Begley reveals:

The other name mentioned above is Duke's Jahlil Okafor, perhaps the most well-rounded offensive big man to enter the draft in years after averaging 17.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

In the end, the board might decide which way the Knicks lean. Okafor's a talented big man who can take games over on one side of the court and needs development on defense, but if the team must choose a guard, it seems there is a top preference there, too.

Mudiay the Top Guard?

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If the Knicks miss on Okafor or just choose to take a pass, it appears the top option might be Mudiay.

According to Begley, the team went so far as to scout the high-upside prospect during the regular season: "The Knicks, according to league sources, have done their homework on the 6-5, 190-pound guard, scouting him in person on occasion during the season."

That's doing homework and some extra credit to make sure they like a guy who played ball overseas. ESPN.com's Chad Ford offers what the Knicks might have seen during their scouting excursions:

"

Mudiay's appeal is based around a terrific combination of size, athleticism and power at the point guard position. He can get anywhere he wants on the floor, finishes at the rim, and plays with a terrific motor. His jump shot still needs more work and he can still polish his point guard skills, but he's likely to be the first international player to hear his name called on draft night. Look for him to go in the No. 2 to No. 5 range.

"

Begley goes as far as to capture how Mudiay would feel suiting up for the Knicks:

It seems like an ideal match for both parties. The Knicks won't expect Mudiay to shoulder much of the scoring load, if any, thanks to the presence of Anthony.

Also, Mudiay's elite athleticism, on-court IQ and ability to get his teammates open in a creative manner could be the spark the Knicks need on the offensive side of the court.

Mudiay seems like one of three likely outcomes for the Knicks on draft day, although it still hinges on where they fall in the order and how the teams in front of them act at the podium.

Stats and info courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.