The New York Knicks do not have a first-round draft pick on Thursday and they lack the assets to trade for one. Unless the team out-right buys a pick from another team, they must adjust their draft expectations. With the realization that Carmelo Anthony likely will not be wearing a Knicks' uniform next season, the team must prep to replace him, something hard to do without a first-round pick. So who does New York chase?
Marc Berman of the New York Post notes several quality players the Knicks are taking a serious look at that hold the potential to start immediately if needed. According to Berman, Phil Jackson is favoring both Tyler Ennis from Syracuse and PJ Hairston formally of North Carolina before playing for the Texas Legends. Both players are likely to get passed up in the first round simply because of team needs and the Knicks are hoping to capitalize off that.
Ennis would offer point guard stability for the Knicks, something they are searching for with trades involving Raymond Felton and Iman Shumpert possibly taking place in the near future. Hairston might get overlooked thanks to his dismal from UNC. However, the swingman has already been playing against bigger talent for the better part of a year meaning He could start right away. Both players are projected to be late first-round picks so there is a good chance that the Knicks will have to come up with several backup plans just in case.
Berman also writes that Jackson is very high on Florida big man Patric Young. He averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds during his senior season and has already visited the Knicks, impressing in his pre-draft visit. His 6-foot-10 frame is very attractive for New York and could get him drafted in the early second round when the Knicks are selecting.
New York could potentially trade away either Tyson Chandler, Amar'e Stoudemire or both players this offseason. Both carry heavy contracts limiting future moves for the Knicks. Moving either player hurts the defensive unit of the Knicks. Getting a player like Young would make up for that immediately.
Jackson has a long offseason ahead of him. The Knicks president has limited salary cap space and limited assets he can afford to move. With Anthony possibly gone, New York is left to slightly rebuild and the draft will kickoff that process.
