Hoops Habit
Fansided

New York Knicks: Breaking Down Draft Options

By Kaveh Jam

Jan 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks president Phil Jackson addresses the media before the start of game against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks president Phil Jackson addresses the media before the start of game against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Let’s get one thing out of the way. The Knicks need help. They need a lot of it. A draft pick alone is not going to be an all-encompassing band-aid, not even the fourth pick.

More from New York Knicks

With a roster shallow on talent and riddled with holes, the immediate focus for the ailing franchise should be on leveraging their lottery pick in the most efficient way. In other words, don’t mess this up. Despite the public over-reaction to not landing the top pick, the Knicks stand to benefit from a draft that is top-heavy in talent.

There are several directions the Knicks could go in the draft. If they complete their due diligence this figures to be a cornerstone moment for the organization. As reward for being season-long bottom-feeders, it was assumed the Knicks would land the top spot, and those inside the team had at different times Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor pegged at the top of their draft board.

With those two likely unavailable by the time the Knicks are on the clock at No. 4, it’s time to evaluate what possibilities remain.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will likely take Towns or Okafor first overall. Just in front of the Knicks sit the Los Angeles Lakers at 2 and the Philadelphia 76ers at 3. Both hold somewhat unpredictable cards.

“I think we’re going to be open to a lot of things. We know we can get a good player at this pick. We’re also going to be open to talking to teams and looking at different options.” — Knicks GM Steve Mills

Mar 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard D’Angelo Russell (0) shoots over Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Andre Hollins (1) during the first half in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard D’Angelo Russell (0) shoots over Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Andre Hollins (1) during the first half in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

It has been reported that the Lakers could pass on the remaining big man and select Emmanuel Mudiay or D’Angelo Russell. This could set off a cascading effect through the remainder of the lottery.

If Los Angeles opts for one of these dynamic guards, it will be important to keep an eye on Philadelphia’s choice. The past two drafts, the Sixers have picked up highly touted big men in Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid. It would appear unlikely they would bite on another big man.

Then again, considering the dizzying moves the Sixer front office has made the past several seasons, it’s virtually impossible to figure out what exactly they will do.

The point is the Knicks need to be prepared. If the Sixers select a guard, it would allow Towns or Okafor to fall to them at No. 4. If that doesn’t happen, the Knicks should look to Mudiay or Justise Winslow.

Mudiay is widely considered the mystery man of the draft, attributed to his decision to forgo his commitment to play at Southern Methodist and instead sign a contract to play professionally in China. Scouts are enamored with his playmaking ability.

At 6-5, Mudiay is an elite downhill player, putting immense pressure on defenses. When defenders collapse he’s shown the propensity to consistently find open teammates. He has an explosive end-to-end game that mirrors that of Washington Wizards guard John Wall, and the elusiveness of Memphis’ Mike Conley.

Winslow on the other hand, is a much more polished NBA-ready prospect. His 6-foot-6 frame can frequently be found wreaking havoc on interior defenses. At Duke he was known as a Kawhi Leonard-like swiss army knife. He can throw a monkey wrench in any defense by penetrating at will, while not afraid to unleash an effective outside jumper.

Dec 3, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) attempts to move the ball against Wisconsin Badgers forward Duje Dukan (13) during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) attempts to move the ball against Wisconsin Badgers forward Duje Dukan (13) during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

Knicks general manager Steve Mills has also made it clear the team will explore moving the pick altogether. “I think we’re going to be open to a lot of things,” Mills said. “We know we can get a good player at this pick. We’re also going to be open to talking to teams and looking at different options.”

This is the point where lamenting Knicks fans enter a state of paranoia. The franchise has been notorious for undervaluing draft picks, dumping them off for experienced veterans. The Knicks should invest in a core of talented young athletes to build around, and allow Carmelo Anthony to provide leadership.

The selection process for the draft is not some esoteric science. Dutiful scouting and player development is crucial. But lessons of past drafts have taught us to overlook need and draft the most talented prospect available. Otherwise is to risk passing on a potential franchise player.

The Knicks finished 28th in the league in offensive efficiency and 27th in opponent shooting percentage. Just by accident alone the Knicks probably will not be this inept next season.

They need help in any way they can get it. Sometimes you just need to begin. For the Knicks that beginning is June 25.

Next: Our Latest NBA Mock Draft

More from Hoops Habit

Home/New York Knicks