The New York Knicks are coming off of yet another season in which they did not make the playoffs. Although they played better under Mike D'Antoni then Isiah Thomas, that's not saying too much. The light at the end of the tunnel still seems non-exsistent, and now even more so with both David Lee and Nate Robinson becoming restricted free agents this year. That wouldn't normally be such a problem, but GM Donnie Walsh has big plans for the 2010 offseason, which will inevitably blow up in his face.
This year, the Knicks have the 8th overall pick in the draft, and although there is no player who will lead them to the playoffs at this spot, there will be some talent available. Reportedly, Stephen Curry is Donnie Walsh's favorite pick, but his stock has risen in the off-season, and he might not be available at the 8th spot. The point guard out of Davidson has showed great leadership, scoring ability, and defense in his college years. All of these are atributes the Knicks clearly need. However, Curry is undersized, a mediocre athlete, and can often be streaky. Sacramento might take him with the 4th spot, as it is rumored they are impressed with him as well.
My personal favorite prospect that the Knicks may take is Jordan Hill out of Arizona. Hill would be a great fit with the Knicks, because of his athletic ability and defensive mindset which the knicks lack at every position. On the other hand, Hill needs a lot of improvement offensively and is also out-muscled in the low post. Golden State may take him with the 7th pick, and i doubt the knicks would be willing to trade up for Hill. However, i think that Hill would be a great addition for the Knicks because of his defense and athletic ability.
There are also rumors that Donnie Walsh likes Gerald Henderson, a 2 guard out of Duke. I don't like this pick for several reasons. Although his defense is solid, Henderson needs way to much improvement on the offensive side of the game. He has been inconsistent at the college level, and is undersized at his position. For those reasons, i can't help but think that Henderson will be a bust.
The final player the Knicks may choose is Jrue Holliday out of UCLA. I wouldn't mind adding Holliday, but if they are going to take a guard, i would rather go with Curry or Demar Derozan. Holliday is an excellent defender and will force turnovers on the defensive end. However, his upside basically stops there. He is undersized for his position at 6-4 (a very small 6-4, probably marked up), and his jump shot has a very bad habit of being off. He often has trouble cutting to the basket, and when he does it often results in a turnover. Holliday will most likely be avalible with the 8th pick, but i doubt that Donnie Walsh will take him over Hill or Curry.
Concerning draft day trades, rumors continue to fly. Word has it that the Knicks are still after the Memphis Grizzlies' 27th overral pick, but i don't see how that benefits the team unless they get players in the deal. There are some unconfirmed reports that they have in fact bought the Lakers 29th overall pick, but they have not been confirmed., Apparently they would like to aquire shooting guard Jack McClinton out of Miami, which does not make much sense too me, because he will probably be avalible in the second round.
This year, the Knicks have the 8th overall pick in the draft, and although there is no player who will lead them to the playoffs at this spot, there will be some talent available. Reportedly, Stephen Curry is Donnie Walsh's favorite pick, but his stock has risen in the off-season, and he might not be available at the 8th spot. The point guard out of Davidson has showed great leadership, scoring ability, and defense in his college years. All of these are atributes the Knicks clearly need. However, Curry is undersized, a mediocre athlete, and can often be streaky. Sacramento might take him with the 4th spot, as it is rumored they are impressed with him as well.
My personal favorite prospect that the Knicks may take is Jordan Hill out of Arizona. Hill would be a great fit with the Knicks, because of his athletic ability and defensive mindset which the knicks lack at every position. On the other hand, Hill needs a lot of improvement offensively and is also out-muscled in the low post. Golden State may take him with the 7th pick, and i doubt the knicks would be willing to trade up for Hill. However, i think that Hill would be a great addition for the Knicks because of his defense and athletic ability.
There are also rumors that Donnie Walsh likes Gerald Henderson, a 2 guard out of Duke. I don't like this pick for several reasons. Although his defense is solid, Henderson needs way to much improvement on the offensive side of the game. He has been inconsistent at the college level, and is undersized at his position. For those reasons, i can't help but think that Henderson will be a bust.
The final player the Knicks may choose is Jrue Holliday out of UCLA. I wouldn't mind adding Holliday, but if they are going to take a guard, i would rather go with Curry or Demar Derozan. Holliday is an excellent defender and will force turnovers on the defensive end. However, his upside basically stops there. He is undersized for his position at 6-4 (a very small 6-4, probably marked up), and his jump shot has a very bad habit of being off. He often has trouble cutting to the basket, and when he does it often results in a turnover. Holliday will most likely be avalible with the 8th pick, but i doubt that Donnie Walsh will take him over Hill or Curry.
Concerning draft day trades, rumors continue to fly. Word has it that the Knicks are still after the Memphis Grizzlies' 27th overral pick, but i don't see how that benefits the team unless they get players in the deal. There are some unconfirmed reports that they have in fact bought the Lakers 29th overall pick, but they have not been confirmed., Apparently they would like to aquire shooting guard Jack McClinton out of Miami, which does not make much sense too me, because he will probably be avalible in the second round.
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