New York Knicks: With PG Settled, Focus Should Be on Adding Size in the Draft

With Chauncey Billups now officially on board for the 2011-2012 season, Donnie Walsh and the Knicks turn their attention to the frontcourt. With Amar'e Stoudemire and Ronny Turiaf the only two big men certain to return next season, and not many realistic options available through free agency, it is almost a certainty that the Knicks will look to fill a spot down low with the 17th pick in this year's draft.

Big men such as Kentucky's Enes Kanter, Jonas Valanciunas, Donatas Motiejunas of LIthuania and Bismack Biyombo of Spain will most likely be off the board before the Knicks selection comes up. True centers, such as Lucas Nogueira of Spain, Keith Benson of Oakland and Alex Oriakhi of UConn simply are not worthy of being selected this high.

However, there is a player who potentially could be a better fit for the Knicks than any of those named above, and I expect he will be available when Commissioner Stern says, "The New York Knicks are on the clock."

Markieff Morris is considered to be the lesser of the Morris twins from the Kansas Jayhawks. His brother, Marcus, is expected to be a lottery selection. For the Knicks, Markieff may be the better twin.

At 6'10", 245 pounds, he is big enough to hold his own in the paint, yet athletic enough to leap over defenders and attack the basket. A fantastic defender, his rebounding and shot blocking ability would be a welcome addition to a Knicks' frontcourt that sorely lacked those qualities.

Markieff began to hone his offensive game this past season, and while still a work in progress with the ball in his hands, Morris has a solid jumper that he continues to improve as he gets farther away from the basket. Around the rim he is an excellent finisher, though he lacks a true finishing move.

With the Knicks he would not be asked to be a scoring threat, but to focus on what he does best: rebound, defend and finish at the rim when the opportunity presents itself. Amar'e Stoudemire, Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony will take care of the rest.

With those talented players around him, Morris could develop into a double-double machine and a fan favorite in the world's most famous arena.