Knicks Rumors: Can Phil Jackson Land Kevin Durant?

Jan 28, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) reacts in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 77-73. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

4. Utilize the 2015 NBA Draft

If the 2014-15 season were to end today, the New York Knicks would finish with the second-worst record in the league. Thus, the Knicks would have 19.9 percent odds of landing the No. 1 overall selection in the 2015 NBA draft.

By drafting right, New York could potentially land a future star.

Phil Jackson has been in this position before as the coach who developed Andrew Bynum. Bynum’s recent injury history skews the average fan’s memory, but he was an elite center under Jackson’s leadership.

If he can find a player of similar upside—a legitimate possibility with what projects to be a Top 5 pick—Jackson would give Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant a player to build sustainable success with.

Durant will be 28 in 2016-17 and Anthony will be 32. Both players will likely still be of an elite caliber, but as they get deeper into their respective contracts, there will be a need for a new face to step up and lead the charge.

Thus, the Knicks’ need to land a future star.

With that player on the roster, Durant would have reason to believe in both the short-term and long-term future of the Knicks.

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