The draft is 11 days away. I have started looking T some of the prospects. I'll start off with 3 of them and then look at a couple of options via trade and FA. I'm not going deep into this so feel free to add your opinions on any additional options as there seem to be many.
The Knicks seem to be one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA this offseason. No, they don't have a top pick in this year's draft but with picks 19 and 21 the Knicks seem to want to move at least one of these picks to either move up in the draft or trade for a player.
The obvious place to start is Damian Lillard. I think we can all agree that just getting him on this team makes us better. However, that is never the question. This topic has been discussed already but the point is what will it take and according to rumors it would be a ton. Personally, I don't think the Knicks are in a position to throw too many eggs into one basket. Having Randle and Damian Lillard as your top two players and not much else doesn't look like a championship caliber team. I have said this before and will repeat it, players are available every year and the timing has to be right to make the move. The timing is not right to make a huge move just like it wasn't right last year to go after Beal. I talk about NBA purgatory all the time. I think it is the worst place to be. The Knicks are getting closer to being able to make a huge move but they aren't there yet.
Sexton? What will it take? What are we comfortable with trading for him? This is a much more likely situation to come to fruition than Lillard. I have no idea what Cleveland would accept. Hitdog, if it was him, is emphatic that Cleveland isn't trading him. If so then this point is moot. However, from reading about this situation, Cleveland does not want to pay his price tag and would have gotten more if they traded him last year. Supposedly NBA execs are aware of his contract demands and don't want to give up a lot to take on that type of contract. This severely limits his market. I also read that an NBA exec, I think, stated that teams with a lottery pick wouldn't offer the pick for Sexton. They'd rather get a player on a cheaper contract. With that known, I think I draw the line in the sand at 19, Knox, and another smaller piece. If Cleveland says no then no problem. We move on to another option. I don't want to argue about the details of the trade. Maybe Cleveland laughs at us but every moment that passes increases the likelihood that Cleveland doesn't get a good return for him similar to what happened with Lonzo Ball this year. NO waited way too long and couldn't work out a trade and now it looks as if they'll lose him for nothing. No wonder Zion seems to want to move on when his contract is up.
Lets talk about Ball. If the Knicks like his game I think he'd be a nice asset on this team. It comes down to what contract he's looking for and how that fits in with our ling term plans. He is definitely a player we should look into.
Someone brought up Duncan Robinson the other day. I think he makes a lot of sense for this team as well. Timing and the value 9f the contract will determine if we will be players. He has versatility to play the 2 or 3 and he gives this team some much needed shooting.
Let's talk about the draft. The first guy I think should be talked about is Davion Mitchell. From what I read he is great defensively and limited offensively. I started watching clips and, while that doesn't tell the whole story, I was expecting someone way worse than he showed. I like his offensive game. He doesn't look explosive but looks very smooth and heady. He takes what the defense gives. He isn't going to be able to drive at will to the basket but if there is a crease them he'll take it. If the defender gives him space he can hit the 3. He always seems to know where his teammates are. The question really becomes, is he worth trading 19 and 21 for him because that is what it looks like it would take.
I haven't seen Springer's name brought up much at all. I like him. My knowledge is very limited but from what I have watched he is like a bully with the ball. I like that. It reminds me of the good part of Marbury where he was able to attack the rim at well. This team needs players that can break down a defense. He needs to get better as a passer and trusting his teammates more but he is no slouch in that area either. He needs to imrpove his outside shot for the NBA imo. The positive is he is only 18 years old. I love the upside whereas someone like Mitchell is 22 and soon to be 23, if I remember correctly.
I know there are way more prospects to look at in terms of the PG position but I'll leave that to others who know more than me.
I hate Berman but he had and article on SG Duarte yesterday so I checked him out. I think Thibs probably loves this kid. He has length, he plays defense, and he can hit long range shots. The negative? I think he's 24 years old. He has a unique story but he supposedly still has upside to his game.
Where does this leave the Knicks? The weird thing about the NBA is that the draft occurs before FA and the NBA, more than any other sport imo, focuses on need in the draft. The Knicks have more back channels than we do but I would be shocked if we didn't come out of this draft with a PG/combo guard. We can't assume we can get a FA PG nor trade for one until the trade is actually executed.
I will lay out one situation: let's assume Cleveland accepts our offer of pick 19, Knox, and say pick 32 for Sexton. If we did that I can see the Knicks drafting Duarte at 21 because he is ready to play now. How would you feel about a backcourt of:
Sexton
Rose
Quickley
Duarte
Luca
Burks (assuming he is resigned)
As much as I love the upside of Springer, I don't think Thibs wants to take on players that young to have them develop. I think that is one reason that Mitchell seems to be coveted.
With that said, I lied. I'll give you a second scenario. Let's assume we trade picks 19 and 21 for Mitchell. How would you feel about a backcourt of:
Mitchell
Rose
Quickley
Duncan
Luca
Burks (assume he is retained)
Which one do you like better? Do you have a better outcome?
CP3, Lowry and Conley. Land one of those three and this is a legit 50 win team
I expect the Knicks to be very active
Not sure how we would get both as Mitchell seems to require both 19 and 21.
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be fine with both Davian Mitchell and Sexton, but it is worth noting that they're the same age.
Not sure how we would get both as Mitchell seems to require both 19 and 21.
Sorry I meant or. I like both players. If they could get either that'd be great.
Mitchell is the better defender but Sexton the better scorer and more proven.
Acquiring a good PG is the highest off season priority for the Knicks.
Hitdog says the Cavaliers won't trade Sexton. Even if they did, they'd likely want Obi. I'm OK with Obi, Knox, 19, or 21, or Knox, 19, and 21. (In another thread I said Obi, Knox, and 19/21, and I think some people understandably thought I meant both draft picks.) I understand why people don't want to trade Obi.
Somebody is going to pay Sexton.
The only other options are either trading up or taking the best PG available at 19 or 21. I'd prefer the latter.
19: PG.
21. Trey Murphy III.
32. C (rim protector).
58. BPA or traded.
1. What do you like about him?
2. Would you take the Kentucky kid at 21 who might become a Mitchell Robinson with a mid range jumper and then try to get Murphy at 32 or potentially trade up from 32 to get Murphy?
Rose
Quickley
Duarte
Luca
Burks
Excellent depth there to go along with a strong RJ/Randle/Mitch front court.
He was the best player in the Baylor run to the championship
I’d trade for Sexton. If it’s only Knox and a pick this year and next
I’m not so fast on giving up Obi
Also I’d find a way to sign Noel
Him and Mitch gives the Knicks a great 1-2 punch at the 5
With the other first round pick if we don’t trade for Sexton I’d definitely take Duarte
Mitch
Randle
RJ
Duarte
Sexton
Butler
Rose
IQ
Noel
Toppin
Burke
Bye to Frank and Bullock
He was the best player in the Baylor run to the championship
I’d trade for Sexton. If it’s only Knox and a pick this year and next
I’m not so fast on giving up Obi
Also I’d find a way to sign Noel
Him and Mitch gives the Knicks a great 1-2 punch at the 5
With the other first round pick if we don’t trade for Sexton I’d definitely take Duarte
Mitch
Randle
RJ
Duarte
Sexton
Butler
Rose
IQ
Noel
Toppin
Burke
Bye to Frank and Bullock
Mistake. No butler if we get Sexton
I admit I am a UVA alum, but I have read that Murphy is likely a first round pick. His best characteristic is his shooting. Murphy was the only 50/40/90 shooter in college basketball last year. He is also 6'9" with a 7 foot wingspan, has a high basketball IQ, and played for a defensive minded college coach. His weaknesses are that he's not super explosive or a great ball handler, and he also needs to get stronger.
I admit I am a UVA alum, but I have read that Murphy is likely a first round pick. His best characteristic is his shooting. Murphy was the only 50/40/90 shooter in college basketball last year. He is also 6'9" with a 7 foot wingspan, has a high basketball IQ, and played for a defensive minded college coach. His weaknesses are that he's not super explosive or a great ball handler, and he also needs to get stronger.
Thanks. However, I am not saying he will last to our second round pick. I am saying that he seems like a reach at 21 only because this seems like a solid draft. We have a million future seconds so if we could package some future seconds to 32 to move up to get a player like him that seems like a more likely scenario. With all of this said, this is just a general outlook based on projections I am seeing online and we know that they aren't 100% accurate.
Considering the age difference & trade assets...I agree. I've done a complete 180.
Lillard you better have the sidekick ready right away and the window is much smaller
The Knicks need to target the younger studs that will eventually become pissed off with all the losing on their teams.
What the Knicks need to do is keep acquiring young talent and have enough cap space for two super-superstars.
The Knicks right now still have major weaknesses in terms of not being good upfront and they don't really have consistent outside shooting from anyone that is reliable. Lillard would only be 1 - thus they'd blitz him just like all the West teams do in the Playoffs to Portland.
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Instead of being the same-old -same-old and going after older players the Knicks best moves are when the stand still like what they did that past season. How many can recall the TALKING HEAD media stating how the Knicks "FAILED?"
*****It's called -- PATIENCE. Something that the Talking Head Media never understands.
The Knicks can't do what they have done in the past and only look a couple of inches beyond their toes. They need to keep big bucks available while accumulation youth and talent so they can wind up signing TWO YOUNG(er) superstars than at least younger than 31 without another superstar.
The Knicks shouldn't try to build a two year run. Instead they should be trying to build a 5 plus year run.
He's right in that 10-20 range, so if he's the guy they love that would add up.
I'd prefer a wing like Moody or Kispert.
He's right in that 10-20 range, so if he's the guy they love that would add up.
I'd prefer a wing like Moody or Kispert.
He seems to be available at 20. Not sure they'd have to trade up for him but I am more confident with this group so if they deem it necessary to move up for a player they get the benefit of the doubt that it is the right thing to do.
Resign Randle for 4 years, $25mm per (max this summer per CBA rule and a good contract for NYK).
Resign Bullock for 3 years, $7.5mm per.
Resign Rose for 1 years, $7.5mm per (and yes, I think he takes that deal).
Doug McDermott 2 years, $10mm per.
Jarred Vanderbilt 3 years, $3mm per (lengthy and springy lefty forward, tons of untapped potential that needs development, UK ties)
Rishaun Holmes 3 years, $8mm per (a guy that is flying under the radar; very good and versatile big who plays like a young Taj Gibson)
Wave goodbye to: Ntilikina, Burks, Noel, Pelle along w Knox.
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PG: Sexton, Rose, Vildoza
SG: Duarte at 19 (perfect fit), Bullock, IQ
SF: Barrett, Doug McDermott
PF: Randle, Jarred Vanderbilt
C: Mitch Robinson, Richaun Holmes, Taj Gibson, Jericho Sims at 32
Because he does everything else really really well. If he was 2 inches taller and even an average shooter he's a clear top 10 pick. Maybe higher.
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Why would the Knicks trade up for a guy who can't shoot? He shot .391 from the field and .228 from 3. That's awful. I wouldn't trade up for him.
Because he does everything else really really well. If he was 2 inches taller and even an average shooter he's a clear top 10 pick. Maybe higher.
Agreed. He's a brilliant player. The kind of offensive mind you rarely see (like Rajon Rondo). Averaged 20/8 and went to the line an amazing 8x per game. Also shot 82% from the line which bodes well for expectations of shooting improvement.
He is the best pure PG in the draft, and his issues may be more fixable than most. ESPN also had him at 17 right now, so if the Knicks want to move up for him I'm fine with that.
Link - ( New Window )
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In comment 15307903 robbieballs2003 said:
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Why would the Knicks trade up for a guy who can't shoot? He shot .391 from the field and .228 from 3. That's awful. I wouldn't trade up for him.
Because he does everything else really really well. If he was 2 inches taller and even an average shooter he's a clear top 10 pick. Maybe higher.
Agreed. He's a brilliant player. The kind of offensive mind you rarely see (like Rajon Rondo). Averaged 20/8 and went to the line an amazing 8x per game. Also shot 82% from the line which bodes well for expectations of shooting improvement.
I would love a true PG. I think Obi would benefit greatly. But those numbers are brutal. So many teams in the NBA always try to fix shots and it barely works. I think you have to assume his shot won't get better and feel comfortable of that is true that the rest of his game justifies the draft position. I am just skeptical they'll feel the need to trade up for him. From what I have seen he isn't going in the early teens in mocks. In one mock they have him going to the Knicks at 21.
But he wouldn't be the first player how to figure out how to shoot after joining the NBA.
He just has upside that most of the guys in his range don't. I wont be upset if he's not the guy but he's a player to get excited about IMO. I trust this staff's evaluations.
But he wouldn't be the first player how to figure out how to shoot after joining the NBA.
He just has upside that most of the guys in his range don't. I wont be upset if he's not the guy but he's a player to get excited about IMO. I trust this staff's evaluations.
If he is Rondo I am down. How's his D? Does he have the personality of Rondo because I am not down with that.
Cooper's breakdown - a lot of negatives including turnovers - ( New Window )
They're nearly opposite players lol but I'd be happy with either.
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and 82% at the line as NYG22 mentioned. His atrocious shooting percentage is because he took 5 3s per game at a .291 clip. Awful.
But he wouldn't be the first player how to figure out how to shoot after joining the NBA.
He just has upside that most of the guys in his range don't. I wont be upset if he's not the guy but he's a player to get excited about IMO. I trust this staff's evaluations.
If he is Rondo I am down. How's his D? Does he have the personality of Rondo because I am not down with that.
He doesn't necessarily play Rondo's style but he's got that elite sense of how to slice up a defense both for his own buckets and setting up others. He also has an elite handle that allows him to get anywhere he wants to go. And to answer your question, he does not have an abrasive personality like Rondo. He's a good kid.
Tony Parker is another comp that has some credence to it. Obviously these are hopeful comps bc Rondo and Parker had tremendous careers.
They're nearly opposite players lol but I'd be happy with either.
Yep, combo guard but I think Thibs is perfectly fine with that like Rose. Rose can do so much for an offense besides passing. But, like I have said in the past, give me more guys that can handle the ball. I would LOVE a true PG but nygiants16 has stated numerous times that there are very few true PGs in today's NBA. Thibs has had Rose and Butler so if he can get similar players then I think that makes a ton of sense. He also got a first hand look at what Trea Young did to the Knicks. He is a score first PG who gets most of his assists on easy alley-oops because teams are threatened by his ability to score from anywhere on the court.
Cooper's breakdown - a lot of negatives including turnovers - ( New Window )
FLOOR - He's Josh Hart at a minimum and I mean that as a compliment.
But strong, tough minded, high intangible guys like Springer tend to outperform versus expectations.
11. Charlotte
12. San Antonio
13. Indiana
14. Golden State
15. Washington
16. Oklahoma City
17. Memphis
18. Oklahoma City
I'm making the assumption the Knicks want a PG/combo guard. Who on this list are the Knicks trying to jump? Also, who is likely to trade down for picks? I read GS is trying to trade out but want an established starter. I don't think that fits what we would do. GS doesn't sound like they want more picks. However, I do think they want to save money.
This would be a huge break. I'm guessing Moody or Kispert would require #19/#21, but Cooper may only require #19/#32 or #21/#32.
get a young 3 and d wing who can do a little more than bullock in the draft..
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I asked five sources for a team in the first round most likely to move up, and they all said the Knicks. The Knicks have picks No. 19 and 21, along with two second-rounders and an extra top-ten protected pick in 2023 (from Dallas). Multiple sources said there’s a player in the low teens that they have targeted, but no one’s sure who it is. 7 hours ago – via Matt Moore @ Action Network
Could it be Josh Giddey? I've seen him going low-middle teens in some articles. Looks like a great distributer/floor general. He's 18 which is appealing but I have no idea if his low shooting % and mediocre off ball D can be fixed.