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Knicks: Mock draft of former NYK players in the NBA playoffs

By Jeffrey Bellone

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers adjusts his headband during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers adjusts his headband during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 14: Joakim Noah #55 of the LA Clippers dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during overtime at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 14, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Mock of former Knicks in NBA Playoffs: Leave them in the bubble

19) Joakim Noah

I suppose since the Knicks are still technically paying for Noah, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to add him back to the roster so he can actually contribute beyond his dead cap weight. Actually, it would be the worst thing in the world. Remember, NYC is “too lit” for the former All-Star.

While Noah has found playing time with the Clippers due to unique circumstances surrounding the roster, he would add nothing to the Knicks current roster other than a link to new coach Tom Thibodeau. But if the team wants that, they can keep Taj Gibson around.

18) Tyson Chandler

The last time Tyson Chandler played ten minutes in an NBA game was on January 18th when he recorded more fouls (3) than shot attempts (0). The former Defensive Player of the Year is well past his prime, almost hanging up his sneakers last summer. Retirement is just around the corner.

17) Lance Thomas

Good enough for the Nets, good enough for the Knicks? Or is it the other way around? With several Brooklyn players impacted by the novel coronavirus, Lance Thomas found an open roster spot in the bubble. He had a bit of a breakout game last week against Orlando in which he connected on three, 3-pointers and scored 12 points in a Nets win.

Thomas never turned into “the next Draymond Green” as David Fizdale envisioned when he first arrived in New York, but anybody watching basketball knew that would be the case. While Thomas plays fundamentally sound, especially on defense, he never developed a perimeter shot to make him a reliable player off the bench.

16) Emmanuel Mudiay

After falling under David Fizdale’s wing in New York, Mudiay showed hints of progress with the Knicks last season. The offense was two points per possession better with him on the floor, as the former lottery pick averaged 14.8 points on 44.6% shooting and his performance could be tied to the rare times the Knicks won under their former coach. When Mudiay shot with confidence from deep, which was rare, New York had some success: in 13 wins, he connected on 41.2% of threes, versus a dismal 30.2% shooting percentage in 46 losses.

In the summer, Mudiay signed with Utah, where he battled through injuries to play reduced minutes and to show the same lackluster defense he has displayed throughout his career. He played close to ten minutes in Utah’s opening playoff game loss to Denver, reminding everyone why the Knicks shouldn’t miss him at all.

New York needs a point guard. But nobody thinks Mudiay is the answer to their problems. Yeah, he’s playing in the playoffs, but so what.

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