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New York Knicks: Team-specific 2017 NBA Mock Draft with trades 1.0

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives against Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives against Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14) and Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Jon Leuer (30) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Jon Leuer (30) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

The Trade, Part II

In order to make the most of this golden opportunity, there will need to be a Part II to this trade. It’s still possible to find value further down the board, but Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks can make a power move with the second phase of this trade.

By sending Courtney Lee, Kyle O’Quinn, and the No. 20 pick to the Detroit Pistons, the Knicks can build the starting backcourt of the future in one fell swoop.

That’s a lot to give up, but it would work out in the long-term.

The appeal here is that Lee played for Stan Van Gundy with the Orlando Magic in 2008-09. Orlando reached the NBA Finals that season, thus giving Lee existing knowledge of how Van Gundy approaches coaching.

Not only could Lee step in and provide quality contributions on both ends of the floor, but he’s a respected veteran who could help repair the fractured locker room in Detroit.

Including O’Quinn may not be ideal for New York, but it’s a move that would inevitably help both sides. Detroit would get an excellent rebounder, shot-blocker, and passer to back up Andre Drummond.

New York would be losing that same valuable player, but this is an example of addition by subtraction. The Knicks have too many centers, not enough minutes, and no true backup 4

Jon Leuer fills the void as soon as it opens at power forward, and O’Quinn alleviates some pressure in Jeff Hornacek’s rotations.

Moving up eight spots won’t be easy, but this package could get it done.

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