New York Knicks: Options with a hypothetical top-three pick
By Sam Friedman
The New York Knicks have a chance to move into the top three of the 2018 NBA Draft. What might their options be in that range?
The New York Knicks have a 6.1% chance of moving up into the first three picks. The Knicks seem like they’re trending up, or so I think. They’re due for another example of lottery luck to get them into the top three.
Hypothetically, who would the Knicks pick if they magically moved into the top 3? For the sake of accuracy, I’m going to say that Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic will be off the board.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jared Jackson Jr. has had a roller coaster of a ride through the NBA Draft projections. It seems like he has settled into the No. 3 and No. 4 range with Marvin Bagley III. I would personally prefer Jackson over Bagley.
Jackson is a perfect complement to Porzingis. He can defend in space and around the basket, allowing Porzingis to play a safety-esque role around the basket.
On offense, he would fill the void along the wings that the Knicks are currently missing. His offensive prowess is well-rounded for one of the younger players in his class.
He can shoot, which a glaring need for the Knicks. I could end the analysis here, because it’s so important to find shooters for this team
Jackson can also pass well and work off the ball as an athletic cutter when double teams come for Porzingis or even Kyle O’Quinn or Enes Kanter.
Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. is the most interesting player in the 2018 NBA Draft. In high school, he took home many of the major awards, including Gatorade Player of the Year. (Strange note: Somehow Jared Jeffries took home the award in 2000).
A back injury hindered Porter’s lone college season. The injury at first came off as severe and then turned out not that crippling. Very confusing.
That’s the big red flag on Porter. That, and he wasn’t that good when he returned to action for the Missouri Tigers. Limited sample size, but still, not great.
Porter’s appeal is that he is a massive wing player who can do everything. I’m not comparing him to LeBron James, but I’m not, not comparing him to LeBron James.
He can do it all on offense; shoot, rebound, start the system, and pass. He struggles defensively from the sheer lack of caring. Depending on the coach, that will change.
Trade For Assets
If the Knicks somehow got the third pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, and a team is in desperate need of a Bagley, Doncic, or Jackson, then it wouldn’t be the height of stupidity to move back and package the pick.
The Knicks steer more towards one of the younger teams in the league, ranked 13th in league at an average age of 25.75. They don’t necessarily need a 19-year old to restart their franchise.
Trading back and accumulating assets could be the way to go if the Knicks were blessed with a top-three pick.
New York could even package the pick and a role player to Charlotte for Kemba Walker, which doesn’t sound all that far-fetched. Moving back to No. 11 spot, they could add a Miles Bridges or Kevin Knox to a roster with Walker, Porzingis, and others.
Must Read: Five sleeper wings to know in the 2018 NBA Draft
The New York Knicks would have intriguing options if the lottery balls land their way.