It is decision day for the New York Knicks. The team can go multiple directions with their No.4 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft and the clock is ticking to make a call with how to use it. New York has been linked to a number of trade rumors involving everyone from DeMarcus Cousins to Eric Bledsoe as several teams eye a jump up the draft board. However, team president Phil Jackson feels ready to use the pick at its intended spot, but which player does he have in mind?
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Jackson will keep the Knicks at No.4 and make the draft call. The team could get a nice return package for the pick in a trade, but Jackson appears ready to select at the spot and finish the rest of the rebuilding in free agency.
"We're looking for mature kids who have a reasonable understanding of their skills and have had some success in the past because of it,'' Jackson said," via the Post.
Jackson has already stated to the media that the Knicks are "about set" at the point guard and small forward position. Clearly Carmelo Anthony occupies the small forward spot while Langston Galloway and Jose Calderon hold down the point guard position. The Knicks could draft either D'Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay, but Jackson is eyeing defense first and foremost. The Knicks have worked out all of the top options entering the draft. They will miss out on Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlik Okafor, so is European star Kristaps Porzingis the best option? He thinks so.
According to Andy Katz of ESPN, Porzingis told the media that the Knicks are the best organization in the draft and he can easily handle the spotlight of the city. His workout with the Knicks was not outstanding, but he is considered one of the top big men in the draft which could entice Jackson.
After the draft, the real work begins for New York. The Knicks have money to burn and will target several top names. According to ESPN Marc Stein, Kevin Love is now at the top of the list after the forward opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Monta Ellis opted out of his deal with the Mavericks and while he is not an ideal fit to the triangle offense, his scoring potential with Carmelo Anthony looks good. Greg Monroe and Marc Gasol also remain strong options moving forward. The Knicks are building around Anthony. They need a top center likely coming in the draft and then versatile players capable of operating in the triangle offense in order to be successful.