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New York Knicks assess their 2019 NBA Draft strategy

By Rob Wolkenbrod

GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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On MSG Networks’ “MSG 150,” New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry discussed the front office’s strategy for the 2019 NBA Draft.

The 2019 NBA Draft will mark the first major checkpoint in the New York Knicks offseason, about 11 days before free agency starts and $70 million in cap space becomes useful. When they select in the first round will determine itself in the lottery on May 14.

One draft concept usually faces each team: select for the “best player available” or specify positional need. The former is subjective, as everyone’s big board differs. Zion Williamson could land first overall, but while the Cleveland Cavaliers have Ja Morant fifth on their board, the Phoenix Suns have him second and subsequently choose him.

What is the Knicks plan? General manager Scott Perry dished part of it on MSG Networks’ MSG 150, a television show focusing on New York sports hosted by Bill Pidto and Alan Hahn:

"Where we are at right now, talent is important. If it’s very close, then you may lean towards the position of need, but if there is a clear delineation between the talent, I think you always err on the side of talent."

That can apply to anywhere in the top five New York lands, especially with a mostly open roster as of May 7. They only have a handful of players on guaranteed deals for next season, and with Kevin Durant‘s arrival not concrete until July, the Knicks can pick whoever they feel is the most talented prospect available.

It could just be Williamson at No. 1, which the Knicks have a 14 percent chance at. Maybe it’s Morant or Barrett next if they land the second pick. De’Andre Hunter and Jarrett Culver are other options. This just stems on how the lottery plays out and who the front office views as the most talented prospects behind Williamson in the 2019 class.

If the Knicks were lower in the draft order, picking for position might make more sense. It can be that hypothetical piece to fill a need on a playoff team. They were of course not there in 2018-19, but that can change depending on this offseason’s fortunes or misfortunes.

dark. Next. 2019 NBA Mock Draft

The Knicks have a promising future ahead, and it starts with the draft. Who they pick won’t be determined until Thursday, June 20, but it will be an interesting night that points this organization in a fascinating direction.

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