What the New York Knicks can learn from the 2017 NBA Finals
By Eric Snyder
Master the NBA Draft
When the Knicks selected Kristaps Porzingis in the 2015 NBA Draft, children cried and the basketball world questioned what Phil Jackson was doing. It was a great choice, even if Jackson botched everything else surrounding Porzingis.
This upcoming draft is a very important time in the history of the New York Knicks. If they can find another gem like KP, the future can be bright sooner than anyone suspected.
Obviously, the Cavs had a gift handed to them when LeBron James fell into their lap. The LeBron pick happened in 2003, but their 2011 NBA Draft also changed their future. Both Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson were drafted by the Cavs within the first four picks of the draft. Consequently, the New York Knicks need multiple first round picks to repair their stalled rebuilding process.
The NBA Draft has been very fruitful for the Golden State Warriors. From 2009-12, Warriors management made three draft picks that helped earn them two NBA championships. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were both chosen in the same general draft slots as the Knicks pick this year.
Curry was chosen at No. 7 and Thompson was chosen at No. 11. In other words, whoever the Knicks choose with the No. 8 pick could very well be the answer to many of their questions.
Like him or hate him, Draymond Green is one of the best players in the NBA. His ability to dominate a game without even scoring is incredible. Yet, Green was not a first round pick and his individual success was not expected.
The New York Knicks have two second round picks in this year’s draft. While these picks are toward the end of the draft, they still represent potential talent and potential wins.