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New York Knicks: Grading The Offseason

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) warms up before the start of their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Canada Centre. The Trail Blazers beat the Raptors 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) warms up before the start of their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Canada Centre. The Trail Blazers beat the Raptors 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kristaps Porzingis (SPN) reacts after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft-Day Moves

That’s right, folks. The Knicks’ first moves of the offseason earned them a good grade, and we’re not even in the Twilight Zone! The biggest reason I like what New York did on draft day is that they had the courage to take a long-term prospect (who had the most potential on the board at No. 4, by the way) in Kristaps Porzingis.

Will he need a few years to develop? Definitely. Did the Zinger draw boos from the Knicks faithful at Barclays Center? Of course. Was there a bespectacled young Knicks fan crying about the pick while selfie-ing his reaction and going viral in the process? You betcha.

But as much as patience isn’t a concept Knicks fans are familiar with, kudos to Phil Jackson for picking a player with vast potential. Porzingis didn’t dominate NBA Summer League, but he did a little bit of everything. This is a 7’3″ 19-year-old who can shoot threes, block shots and make the smart pass on offense.

His versatility and star potential make him a great pick, even if he’ll need some time (and actual playing time) to get there.

New York then traded into another first round pick by shipping Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Atlanta Hawks, who had just traded the rights to Kelly Oubre Jr. (No. 15) to the Washington Wizards for their No. 19 pick and two future second-rounders. The Hawks selected Jerian Grant and sent him to the Knicks for Hardaway Jr.

Not only does Grant give New York a long-term solution to the point guard position, but he’s an NBA-ready prospect who can learn from and eventually overtake Jose Calderon in the rotation. His intelligence, athleticism, defensive intensity and 6’5″ frame makes him a versatile, safe pick.

As for what the Knicks had to give up to get Grant, well, let’s just say moving on from the unimpressive Tim Hardaway Jr. and his 39 percent shooting isn’t the end of the world.

At No. 35, the Knicks traded into another pick by sending cash and two future second-round picks to the Philadelphia 76ers for Spanish center Guillermo Hernangomez, a draft-and-stash selection. Though he plays below the rim, he’s a skilled big who may be able to help the Knicks down the road when he comes stateside.

With the addition of a potential star in Porzingis, one of the most likable floor generals in the draft in Grant and a draft-and-stash pick, the Knicks finally took a more long-term approach. It won’t help Carmelo Anthony next season, but it should help New York continue this rebuild the right way.

Grade: A-

Next: Triple-A In NY

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