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Knicks Draft: Realistically re-drafting New York’s last 10 first round picks

By Yash Shrivastava

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks shake hands following the game at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2019 in New York City. New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-103. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks shake hands following the game at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2019 in New York City. New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-103. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Tim Hardaway Jr., New York Knicks. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Re-draft of the 2013 NBA Draft for the Knicks: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Knicks pick: 1st Round, Pick 24

Actual player selected: Tim Hardaway Jr.

I feel I have stuck with a good amount of the Knicks’ original selections, and I am sticking with Grunwald’s selection of Tim Hardaway Jr. over Rudy Gobert (27th Pick). Coming off a 54-28 season and an Eastern Conference Semifinals berth, there was no reason to draft a project. The Knicks had an aging roster headed by Carmelo Anthony, who was entering his thirties. New York needed to get a guy who would help them win-now, and Hardaway was just that.

The end of the Knicks’ postseason run in 2013 can be attributed to the lack of shot creation and scoring around Carmelo Anthony. Their second best scorer, J.R. Smith, was not himself and did not give the team what they needed in the Indiana series on the offensive side of the ball.

Anthony was willing an old team every game that series, and he needed some players to take the burden off him in the coming season if they wanted to make another run. Although Tyson Chandler looked like a shell of himself in that series, the Knicks had no time to groom his replacement in 2013. The Knicks were going to run back the same core and needed pieces that would complement them better.

Hardaway does not play much defense and is a bit erratic on offense, but he gave the Knicks new life. He provided them the youth and athleticism they needed. He had a good rookie season and scored 10.2 points per night in 23.1 minutes. Unfortunately, that season was marred with injuries, but during the end-of-season stretch where they finished 16-5, Hardaway averaged 11.6 points and had multiple scorching hot games that got the team some crucial wins.

He made the all-rookie team and was considered untouchable until Phil Jackson moved him in the 2015 offseason. He then found some success in Atlanta, signed a disastrous contract with the Knicks a second time, and is now a significant contributor to the 40-27 Mavericks. Hardaway Jr. is one of those players who is a phenomenal role player but cannot be one of your best players.

Having Gobert would have been nice right now, but with the Knicks’ goals in the 2013 draft, Hardaway fit everything they needed at the time.

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