The NY Knicks are starting to think hard about the upcoming NBA draft and Phil Jackson may target players like Jahlil Okafor, Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell with the number one overall pick if they get it and this comes as the team is likely hoping to sign free agents, with Rajon Rondo, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Goran Dragic and Greg Monroe as potential options.
Jackson has scouted Okafor and he also watched Russell, who he called a "great prospect" out of Ohio State. The Knicks could look at him as an option if they miss out on Okafor, while Karl-Anthony Towns is another name that has come up, with Jackson watching him at Kentucky. The Knicks are crossing their fingers to get the number one pick and right now they have the worst record in the league.
Marc Berman wrote in the Post that the Knicks "have a shot" at getting Monroe, as he is looking for a major contract and the Knicks could give him a big offer. The Pistons can pay Monroe more money, but with all the cap space the Knicks have they also can compete. The Pistons tried to sign Monroe last year as an RFA, but they couldn't get it done and he played this season on a one year deal and has been very impressive. The Lakers are expected to chase Monroe as well and the Pistons could be in the mix after trading for Reggie Jackson at the deadline.
Gasol is the top target for the Knicks this offseason, according to the NY Daily News, but the team is worried that he will stay in Memphis after his strong season. Gasol is putting up MVP numbers and is leading the team in scoring and if he doesn't hit the market, the Knicks may go hard after Greg Monroe or LaMarcus Aldridge. The Knicks will have money to spend and players like Rajon Rondo, Reggie Jackson and Jimmy Butler also could be targets.
Rondo could end up being the backup option for the Knicks if Dragic stays in Miami or signs elsewhere, as he will also be hitting the market this summer. The Mavericks are expected to try and keep Rondo after trading for him this season, but the Lakers will be also able to compete and the Knicks are going to chase Rondo. Rondo was previously the number one target for the Lakers and they would be thrilled if they ended up signing him as a free agent.
