New York Knicks: Realistically ambitious 2017 NBA Mock Draft
With one trade already in the books, what else might transpire on the night of the 2017 NBA Draft? More importantly, what might the New York Knicks do?
Over the course of the next decade, the New York Knicks are going to have an face an uphill battle in the Atlantic Division. Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez create clear reasons for optimism, but the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are retooling in powerful ways.
According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, the Celtics and 76ers have what’s essentially a done deal to swap the No. 1 and No. 3 overall selections in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Trade between Philly and Boston will be finalized on Monday, per source. Sides have agreed. Sixers will get first pick and take Fultz.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 18, 2017
Boston would also receive two additional first-round draft picks, which thus puts it in the perfect position to either build through the NBA Draft or trade for a star.
With two division rivals dealing, the Knicks are facing more pressure than ever before to create a winning culture. Porzingis and Hernangomez are strong foundational pieces, but team president Phil Jackson must now turn his attention to the perimeter.
Following the report that a blockbuster trade is all but guaranteed to transpire, the Knicks should be looking for ways to improve, as well.
The working theory around the NBA is that the Knicks should draft a point guard at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. In this ambitious scenario, however, we explore the possibility of a high-profile prospect sliding to No. 5.
The question is: What would it take for the New York Knicks to select Jayson Tatum in the 2017 NBA Draft?