D'Angelo Russell does not get to pick where he gets drafted in 2015. The point guard is considered the best available at his position and will be selected in the top five picks. Every team outside of the Minnesota Timberwolves has given him a workout while he battles with Emmanuel Mudiay. Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns to be taken early. While the 76ers hve been projected as his landing spot, Russell is making it clear he loves New York.
One of the deciding factors for the Knicks in the draft is how well the rookie would fair in the triangle offense. The professional players already on the Knicks roster had a hard time adjusting to the new system all last season, so much of the same is expected for any incoming rookie. However, Russell is very confident in his ability to adjust easily and be an immediate starter.
"Now that I look at it, Kobe had great success in it. The shots that he took, the shots that he made were in the same areas, all from the offense. So I think I can definitely thrive there," Russell said, via Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com.
Many people have taken those comments as Russell making it clear he does not want to play in Philadelphia. The 76ers are expected to take a point guard at No.3 on Thursday and Russell and Mudiay are the best options. Jonathan Givony of NBA Draft Express is reporting that Russell has no issues with Philadelphia and would be happy to play for the 76ers. That is a good thing because Phil Jackson is saying the Knicks do not need a point guard.
According to Jackson in an interview with ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike, the Knicks are set at the point guard and small forward position. The Knicks have Carmelo Anthony at small forward and Langston Galloway and Jose Calderon at point guard. Russell would likely be an upgrade over Calderon at the least, but it would give the Knicks a very young rotation. That might not be ideal for a team in major need of a bounce back.
Could the Lakers shock people at draft a point guard? According to the Los Angeles Daily News, the Lakers do like Jahlik Okafor, but the idea of getting Russell or Mudiay is intriguing as they would pair him with Jordan Clarkson. The logical choice for Russell seems to be Philadelphia where he will be a starter for a very young team, but anything is possible heading into the draft.
