4) Combo Guards for the Knicks to consider: Cole Anthony
Once thought of as a potential number 1 pick, Cole Anthony’s stock has plummeted this past year. The real question is, was it his fault?
Anthony played on a very weak UNC team, and the most common critiques from scouts are that he tried to play too much “hero ball”. Anthony frequently took poor shots and made errant passes, leading many to believe that he isn’t the floor general many thought he could become.
Perhaps the big reason for Anthony’s selfish play was the team around him. It’s certainly something to factor into his draft profile. He needed to have the ball in his hands for his team to have any chance of winning, and opposing defenses zeroed in on him.
He may not be the most physically imposing guard, but Anthony is explosive. He has a good first step and knows how to create space. Of course, he also has some great range on his shot.
Cole Anthony played point guard in college. “Shoot first” point guards do exist, but many of the prolific scoring lead guards in the NBA are equally as effective passing the ball. Maybe point guard isn’t Anthony’s calling.
There is no doubt that Cole Anthony is a risky pick for the Knicks at 8. There are, however, reasons to believe that he can thrive in a smaller role with better spacing in the NBA. His upside is enticing.
If the Knicks were to take Cole Anthony in the draft, they could try and move him around the rotation. Maybe he deserves a chance at starting point guard, but if he isn’t the answer there, his shot creation and competitiveness could still find him as an important piece of the puzzle going forward.