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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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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 03: Kristaps Porzingis
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 03: Kristaps Porzingis /

Re-draft of the 2015 NBA Draft for the Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis

Knicks pick: 1st Round, Pick 4

Actual player selected: Kristaps Porzingis

I think this one is pretty obvious. Phil Jackson might have screwed around his entire time as the Knicks’ president, but he stuck gold picking Kristaps Porzingis. We know about the boos and how Knicks fans despise him now for the trade request, but he was a slam-dunk pick.

Outside of Devin Booker at pick 13, the rest of the 2015 lottery was extremely underwhelming. Phil considered taking Emmanuel Mudiay (7th pick) and Frank Kaminsky (9th pick), but he shocked the world with Kristaps Porzingis, who has turned into one of the league’s rising stars.

I know Porzingis is a sticky and sensitive topic for Knicks fans, but he was a phenomenal player with many flaws. His offensive skill set is unprecedented, and his shot-blocking is elite. However, he was weak and frail. He wore down in the second half of every season, and his knees will give room for caution for years to come after his tragic ACL injury.

If anyone was running the Knicks not named Steve Mills or Phil Jackson, maybe Porzingis never leaves the Knicks. However, he is gone after giving the Knicks three exciting seasons. He is far from a savior, but he is a phenomenal talent who deserved to be picked this high.

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