NBA Draft 2011: 10 Ways the New York Knicks Could Shake Up the Draft

The NBA Draft is upon us, and what is more fun than draft-day moves, trades that occur, unexpected selections and speculation for the upcoming season and the seasons to come.

What is more fun?

The New York Knicks are one of the most storied and important franchises in the NBA.

Coming from New York, being the center of attention is something they certainly do not shy away from.

Here are 10 ways the Knicks could shake up the draft:

Replace Donnie Walsh

With Donnie Walsh being released by the team, their General Manager position is vacant.

The Knicks would grab the spotlight and shake up the draft by announcing a new GM.

It would dictate the direction the team is going in. It would also explain their subsequent draft choices and draft moves.

Trade Up to Select Jimmer Fredette

If there is one thing that Jimmer Fredette proved in college, it's that he is a scorer, plain and simple.

The New York Knicks under Mike D’Antoni do one thing well, and that is score the basketball.

They are a fast-paced team that runs the floor and scores.

Jimmer’s suspect defense would not be as apparent or matter as much in Mike D’Antoni's system.

Trade Up to Select Kemba Walker

Like Jimmer, Kemba Walker proved that he is a scorer.

He has some of the quickest pace that anyone will ever see. He even appears to be quicker when dribbling the ball.

Mike D’Antoni allows his team to run the court and play what appears to be an unorganized offensive game plan.

Walker’s speed would fit in perfectly. He also has the toughness to be a fan favorite with the Knicks faithful.

Not to mention he is a New York kid.

Trade Chauncey Billups

Although this move may be unfavorable, it would shake up the draft.

Chauncey Billups is a grizzled veteran who has been in the league a long time with different teams.

The New York Knicks might be the last chance for him to win a championship.

It would be a shame for Chauncey to have to leave, but he is the most likely piece for the Knicks to dangle out there and actually get a bite.

The Knick’s will not get rid of Carmelo Anthony or Amar'e Stoudemire, but if the right move came along, Billups might have to go.

Draft Kenneth Faried

Kenneth Faried is an energetic player who may not seem like a perfect fit because his strengths are the opposite of what the Knicks currently have.

Faried is a dominant defender and rebounder. He also works well in an organized offense that allows him to post up.

These are the reasons why the Knicks would need him. He will add what they need at playoff time.

He also will be a surprise because a lot of mock draft boards have him being picked later in the draft.

Good read on Faried, if he is a player you do not know:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/739494-2011-nba-mock-draft-the-latest-speculation-on-who-each-team-will-select/entry/99619-2011-nba-mock-draft-new-york-knicks-take-kenneth-faried-at-no-17

Trade with the Timberwolves to Get the Second Pick

This would shock the whole draft, but it would not be the first big move by Minnesota today, as they fired their coach Kurt Rambis.

The Timberwolves are fishing to see what kinds of trades are around for the second pick.

This would be a positive for both sides if it could happen because the Knicks could get one of the most exciting prospects in this draft in the form of Derrick Williams, and the Timberwolves would most like get Chauncey Billups and another player or multiple later draft picks.

The Knicks would probably have to give up a lot, but they would gain a player who can shoot a jumper well. He can shoot the mid-range shots and from the three-point line extremely well.

He can also run well and play above the rim with the rest of the Knicks squad.

The Timberwolves biggest piece here would be getting Chauncey Billups, who would be able to contribute now and also help mentor Ricky Rubio.

Rubio may have a tough time entering and learning the league, but a veteran like Billups would make the transition that much easier.

Draft Josh Selby

Josh Selby, the Baltimore native, has gotten the support of Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony has been encouraging the Knicks to take Selby at No. 17.

Is this a good pick? It probably is not.

Selby will certainly be available at No. 17, but he also might even be available in the second round. Why use your first-round pick on someone you can trade up for when you can get him in a later round?

It may happen though because as a franchise, it is important to keep your marquee players happy; but is it worth it?

Get into a Large 3-Team Trade

There are a lot of talks out there right now about team picks and the many veterans being shopped around.

There are not many teams out there that will add too much or be helpful to strengthen a Knicks trade at this point.

It would certainly shake things up, but most veterans and clubs are looking for the same thing as the Knicks. They are all looking for higher draft picks and pieces to help the team.

Acquire Isaiah Thomas

This is an interesting prospect aside from just the player's name and who he shares it with.

While the other Isiah Thomas left the Knicks in bad shape, the University of Washington Isaiah Thomas could be another step to help them recover.

Thomas is a dynamic guard who will fit great offensively in the Knicks system.

He also could be a long-term answer at the point guard position.

Chauncey Billups if he does not get dealt he will be a great mentor and help to Thomas.

Thomas also will be a great backup and contribute to the Knicks this season.

The best part about the prospect of this is that he is a player like Josh Selby who could most likely be picked in the second round.

Draft Only Defensive-Oriented Players

This is something that could be needed to round out the New York Knicks team, but it is unlikely that the franchise will go heavy on the defensively strong players.

While Knicks fans are used to the fast-paced, exciting basketball, they also have grown used to the slowed-down defensive.

Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony are not players known for their defense, but at times when asked to, they can shut down some of the best players in the NBA.

Defensive-minded players could help give the two stars more incentive to focus a bit more on their own defense.

If nothing else it would help to cover defensive errors by the heavily potent offensive players.