Knicks Building Solid Future Though The Draft

With the 4th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select..Kristaps Porzingis from Latvia!

As his name was called, the many Knicks fans in attendance showed a complete lack of respect for our team’s next Franchise Player. Most, probably had never seen Porzingis play and wanted Justise Winslow because he played for Duke. Personally, I had no real preference between Emmanuel Mudiay and “KP” as I was just relieved they didn’t draft Frank Kaminsky with the 4th pick.

Later that night, the Knicks made the best trade in Phil Jackson’s history with the team. Getting rid of Tim Hardaway Jr., the shooter with no shot consistency and absolutely atrocious defense for in my opinion the third best point guard in the Draft is a complete steal. Jerian Grant brings everything the Knicks wanted in perimeter defense, elite playmaking and decision-making, high basketball IQ and great size and athleticism.

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For those of you who don’t know, he averaged 16.5 points to go along with 6.5 assists in 37 minutes per game at Notre Dame. He’s mature physically and mentally at age 23 and is used to playing for most of the game as a key starter.

The Knicks point-guard rotation is now very crowded. Langston Galloway and Grant are fairly similar in some aspects and 34 year-old washed up Spaniard Jose Calderon is set to make over 7 million dollars next year. If I’m Phil Jackson, I’m packaging two of them for one better one, who can start and is on a cap friendly contract. Grant might not be a starter on a championship team, especially with Porzingis also in the lineup.

Regarding the Latvian Dirk Nowitzki, I’m enthusiastic about the pick. Actually, comparing him to Dirk is unfair to him. He’s a least as good a shooter, he’s longer and more athletic. He also has much more defensive upside as a quick and over-sized player. This is me penciling him for multiple All-Star appearances.

I also would like to bring up something else. The kid had the best work ethic we’ve seen in years. He was quoted saying what he looks forward to the most is 24-hour gym access which he did not have in Spain.

So, instead of booing him in a disrespectful manner, please take time to watch his workouts and acknowledge his talent.

With the 35th pick the Knicks acquired, draft and stash Spaniard Willy Hernangomez who plays for the same team Porzingis used to play for: Baloncesto Sevilla