New York Knicks: Ranking Isiah Thomas’ NBA draft picks as president

New York Knicks Team President Isiah Thomas speak to members of the media Thursday July 28, 2005 in Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Daniel J. Barry/Getty Images)
New York Knicks Team President Isiah Thomas speak to members of the media Thursday July 28, 2005 in Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Daniel J. Barry/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Wilson Chandler: Round 1, Pick 23 (2007)

Wilson Chandler was one of Isiah Thomas’ best value picks in the NBA Draft. Arriving in 2007, the DePaul product became an intriguing player to insert into the middle of the lineup. That promise was not fulfilled in his one season before Thomas left, but it happened soon after.

From 7.3 points as a rookie to 16.4 points in 2010-11, Chandler ascended as a pro by the year. It improved as his three-point shooting took off and, for a time, this looked like one of New York’s most promising players.

By the winter of 2011, Chandler was involved in the Carmelo Anthony deal that also sent young talent to the Denver Nuggets, including Danilo Gallinari, who was the first post-Thomas draft pick.

Injuries followed Chandler from there. He missed significant time in three of his six full seasons, never capitalizing on the points-per-game mark posted with the Knicks.

Chandler finally reached 15.7 points in 2016-17, but his shot attempts per game dipped by nearly five in 2017-18 and carried into his defined role with the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers in 2018-19.

Chandler remains in the NBA as of the postseason, and he is just 32 years old. With waning statistics, however, his run could near its end if a return to form does not happen next season.