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?
Always a fun way to waste the time until draft night/FA
Fun offseason simulator - ( New Window )
@TheSteinLine
There is rising buzz New Orleans plans to enter the race for free agent-to-be Kyle Lowry, league sources say.
@TheSteinLine
There is rising buzz New Orleans plans to enter the race for free agent-to-be Kyle Lowry, league sources say.
Not surprising, Bledsoe will be traded and Ball most likely gone
I would be completely fine with Knicks trading 19 for bledsoe and 10. Bledsoe could be a great backup to whatever your my rookie you want and then you let him go next year woth 3.9 million hit
Um, fuck yeah
@JCMacriNBA
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4m
According to a league source, the Knicks have several notable players in for a workout today, incl. fast rising UVA wing Trey Murphy III, Florida G Tre Mann & Kentucky C Isaiah Jackson.
Murphy & Jackson are on the short list for the final 2 spots in the Green Room next Thursday
@JCMacriNBA
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4m
According to a league source, the Knicks have several notable players in for a workout today, incl. fast rising UVA wing Trey Murphy III, Florida G Tre Mann & Kentucky C Isaiah Jackson.
Murphy & Jackson are on the short list for the final 2 spots in the Green Room next Thursday
I like all those names, honestly.
Kentucky, same size and style of play as Nerlens.
NBA Central
@TheNBACentral
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1m
"Few team executives expect a Dame deal to happen this offseason. But multiple front-office sources say the Heat, Kings, Knicks, Rockets, and Sixers have recently been the most aggressive suitors."
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@KevinOConnorNBA
NBA Central
@TheNBACentral
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1m
"Few team executives expect a Dame deal to happen this offseason. But multiple front-office sources say the Heat, Kings, Knicks, Rockets, and Sixers have recently been the most aggressive suitors."
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@KevinOConnorNBA
When I see something like that, it makes me think someone from the trailblazers are putting this out or someone who really doesn't know. Who on the outside is going to know who is the most aggressive? This sounds like someone is trying to drive up the market. I truly don't believe the Knicks are that aggressive right now unless someone like Leonard would come with him. Also, there was just an article yesterday stating the Knicks are looking to preserve cap room for a star next year like Levine or Beal. There are rumors that the Knicks are trying to trade up in the draft. This does not sound like a team being aggressive for Lillard. Just my two cents.
Also, while I think he's got the ability to do it, he'll have to develop more offensively. His role at UVA was mostly just to shoot threes on kickouts. Handle needs to improve, for one thing.
He is a helluva shooter though, that part is absolutely legit.
Also, while I think he's got the ability to do it, he'll have to develop more offensively. His role at UVA was mostly just to shoot threes on kickouts. Handle needs to improve, for one thing.
He is a helluva shooter though, that part is absolutely legit.
I know he is supposedly "moving up" but I wonder of he makes it to 32? Not sure they'd pick him at 21 because this is a really solid draft. But, this kind of goes along with what Thibs said and why I think Cooper is not someone they'd trade up for and that is they need shooters. There are a few guys in this draft that can be available at all their picks that are very intriguing.
Quote:
NBA Central
@TheNBACentral
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1m
"Few team executives expect a Dame deal to happen this offseason. But multiple front-office sources say the Heat, Kings, Knicks, Rockets, and Sixers have recently been the most aggressive suitors."
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@KevinOConnorNBA
When I see something like that, it makes me think someone from the trailblazers are putting this out or someone who really doesn't know. Who on the outside is going to know who is the most aggressive? This sounds like someone is trying to drive up the market. I truly don't believe the Knicks are that aggressive right now unless someone like Leonard would come with him. Also, there was just an article yesterday stating the Knicks are looking to preserve cap room for a star next year like Levine or Beal. There are rumors that the Knicks are trying to trade up in the draft. This does not sound like a team being aggressive for Lillard. Just my two cents.
I think it is from his agent..
Lillard never really denied the trade rumors, basically said he hasnt made a decision yet..
plus Windhorst "misspeaking" about his agent in contact eith teams
Jericho Sims - a BIG and an elite defender and rim runner
Herbert Jones - reminds me of Shane Battier
Quentin Grimes - staying with comps, Grimes reminds me of Spencer Dinwiddie, a strong combo guard who plays a physical game
Luka Garza - defensive concerns will kill his draft spot but he will be a rich man's Aron Baynes who had a long/useful spot in the league as a rotational BIG.
BJ Boston - desperately needs to mature (physically, emotionally) but he's still a former Top 5 prospect who has a shot to be a starting wing in time; he's probably two years away but its a decent lottery ticket at 32
Height: 6' 9" | Weight: 205 | Age: 21 | Junior
There’s a good deal of chatter around the league that the Knicks are aiming to combine their two first-round picks to move up in the draft, so it’s possible they don’t wind up making this selection. Murphy has gathered as much steam as any prospect in the draft over the last few months, and now looks like a good bet to hear his name called in the teens. He’s successfully showcased impressive run-jump athleticism on the workout circuit and has convinced teams he’ll be a passable defender who plays with poise, can knock down open threes, and has untapped upside to offer. Murphy isn’t a great ballhandler or creative passer, but has a good sense of his own strengths and weaknesses and shouldn’t be a major liability. Scouts I’ve spoken with have frequently used Phoenix’s Cam Johnson as an analog. He’d be a good fit for New York if they stand pat.
21. Knicks (from Mavericks): Isaiah Jackson, C, Kentucky
Height: 6' 10" | Weight: 205 | Age: 19 | Freshman
While Jackson is inarguably raw and not particularly skilled, his athletic tools have sparked first-round interest, the hope being that he’ll evolve into a viable rim-running, shot-blocking, end-to-end big. Jackson is a ways away from reaching that level—he’s extremely foul-prone and scores almost entirely within gameflow—and there’s been a bit of an ideological resurgence surrounding bigs with offensive skills, which makes his fit a bit more selective. New York is facing an extension decision on Mitchell Robinson next summer, and adding depth up front through the draft could be prudent, depending on what the Knicks decide to do with their two picks.
I can see the Noel comp for Jackson but one thing I hate about Noel is he has terrible hands. Jackson seems to have really good hands for a big man.
MockDraft - ( New Window )
@ChrisBHaynes
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31s
Portland guard Norman Powell tells @YahooSports
he is declining his $11.6 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent and the Trail Blazers are making the high-flyer their top priority.
@ChrisBHaynes
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31s
Portland guard Norman Powell tells @YahooSports
he is declining his $11.6 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent and the Trail Blazers are making the high-flyer their top priority.
If they resign him they need to trade mccollum because Powell cant be playing small forward
about moving up?
Quote:
Knicks have spoken to both Orlando and NO
about moving up?
Yes.
For who? Who are we targeting?
Quote:
Knicks have spoken to both Orlando and NO
For who? Who are we targeting?
No clue
This makes me very happy. Hopefully the Knicks pull off a sick deal where we trade up with one pick and still keep our others.
@ChrisBHaynes
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31s
Portland guard Norman Powell tells @YahooSports
he is declining his $11.6 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent and the Trail Blazers are making the high-flyer their top priority.
This is also interesting as there were rumors during the season that the Knicks were interested in him.
My dream scenario. I'm not sure why he has dropped but earlier this year it was Suggs and Cunningham battling for the top pick in the draft.
yep, can see the knicks moving up into top 10, 10-15 or staying put at 19-21, packaging them for vets or trading some of these picks out into future drafts. I literally have no idea what the Knicks will do. It's kinda fun.
@ChrisBHaynes
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31s
Portland guard Norman Powell tells @YahooSports
he is declining his $11.6 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent and the Trail Blazers are making the high-flyer their top priority.
Would love Powell on the Knicks, he is a player that could thrive with Thibs
I would take on Bledsoe to move up from 21 to 10 then bring in Powell and either move up again from 10 or stay put at 10, 19 and 32
I'd love for that. In an ideal world, Mobley drops, but I doubt it.
Yo, Q. You wanna piece a this?
18-19 in free throws is impressive in the biggest game.
ha - I've always thought that. They definitely look alike.
18-19 in free throws is impressive in the biggest game.
He was a monster on both ends last night. It was some superhero stuff.
Usman Garuba | 6-8 big | 19 years old | Real Madrid
The player: Defense, defense, defense. Garuba is already one of the best defenders in Europe as a teenager and profiles as a potential All-Defense Team guy in the NBA by the time he’s 25. He can defend on the interior, with terrific fundamentals for verticality and weakside shot blocking. His ability to slide his feet and drop his hips laterally is ridiculous, and his instincts as a pick-and-roll defender are terrific. The problems come on offense. He’s still not a particularly effective player on that end, but there have been signs of progress. He has been making more 3s recently, but it’s going to take some time. He can also pass the ball out of short rolls a bit, and he’s not totally afraid to put the ball on the deck.
The fit: Tom Thibodeau’s favorite player is Taj Gibson. There are a lot of similarities between Garuba and Gibson, as both are absolutely elite defenders positionally. The difference is that Garuba has a bit more athleticism and pop than Gibson ever did, and thus has a real chance to be the kind of impact defender it’s worth consistently keeping on the court. Also, the Knicks will be very familiar with Garuba, as he’s repped by CAA. While I do think that connection to the current front office has been slightly overblown, I also believe it’ll help in regard to familiarity with a player they might not have gotten a chance to see overseas this year.
21. New York Knicks (via DAL)
Jaden Springer | 6-4 guard | 18 years old, freshman | Tennessee
The player: Springer had a strong freshman season for the Vols. His advanced numbers and analytics are quite strong for his age. And similarly to Johnson above, Springer was tremendous late in the season. He averaged 16 points, four rebounds and three assists in his final 11 games, finally getting a chance to show off why he was a five-star prospect. He’s also a terrific defender. Having said that, I’ve found that Springer’s game isn’t loved by many scouts. He plays almost solely off two feet and doesn’t seem to get the most out of his athleticism. There’s a degree of bully-ball here. He’s going to have to adjust his game to have success at the next level.
The fit: I’ve heard two consistent things with the Knicks over the last week. First, they see shot creation as a genuine need, and they’ll look to address it. Second, don’t be surprised if they end up not picking at 19 and 21. Springer would fill that shot-creation ability, and it’s easy to see how Thibodeau would be an enormous fan of the Tennessee product due to his defensive intensity
Like @JeremyWoo, @Sam_Vecenie is hearing @knicks may look to pair #19 and #21 to move up
That said, if you can move up and get a true swingman partner for Barrett that'd probably be ideal. Moody, Kispert, etc.