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2015 NBA Draft: D’Angelo Russell Talks Phil Jackson, Knicks

By Maxwell Ogden

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The top of the 2015 NBA Draft is highlighted by four players who dominate two—or three, depending on who you ask—vital positions. Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns are potential superstars at center, while Emmanuel Mudiay and D’Angelo Russell have that same upside at point and shooting guard.

According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, Russell met with Phil Jackson and the Knicks at the 2015 NBA Draft Combine.

This isn’t the first time Jackson and Russell have interacted—sort of.

Jackson made a high-profile visit to Columbus to see Russell play up close and in person. After the game, an 81-57 Ohio State Buckeyes victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Jackson called Russell a, “Great-looking kid. Great prospect,” per Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com.

The end result was a fine via the league office.

A seemingly harmless comment proved costly, but Russell doesn’t quite understand why.

He isn’t alone, but that’s neither here nor there.

Whether or not it was blown out of proportion, the seemingly benign comments are now a part of NBA transaction history. It’s also a strong enough link between Russell and the Knicks that the rumor mill has remained active over the past three months.

With the possibility of New York falling from the No. 2 overall spot in the 2015 NBA Draft order, Russell could be the top option after Okafor and Towns.

Mudiay has a case for being the selection, but Russell’s combination of size and skill is tough to come by. Some have compared him to James Harden, which could be a somewhat realistic upside likening if Russell were to pack on muscle mass.

That’s a big if, but it’s also a part of every player’s transition to the NBA.

The key reason for the intrigue surrounding a potential Knicks and Russell marriage is how well he’d fit in the Triangle Offense. He can handle the ball, shoot the lights out, sees the floor well and has a gorgeous floater with expanding range.

The only thing left for Russell to do is figure out what the Triangle Offense actually is.

To be fair, current Knicks players didn’t seem to know much about it in 2014-15, either.

Russell doesn’t have the elite athleticism of a Kobe Bryant or a Michael Jordan, but he could be the next great Jackson shooting guard. He could also be a high-caliber point guard who runs the show for years to come.

One way or another, Russell has become a massive pulse on the Knicks’ 2015 NBA Draft radar.

Next: Justise Winslow met with the New York Knicks

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