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Knicks: How do the experts grade Leon Rose’s first draft?

By Ken Tavarez

Feb 11, 2020; Dayton, Ohio, USA; Dayton Flyers forward Obi Toppin (right) hugs head coach Anthony Grant (left) late in the game against the Rhode Island Rams during the second half at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2020; Dayton, Ohio, USA; Dayton Flyers forward Obi Toppin (right) hugs head coach Anthony Grant (left) late in the game against the Rhode Island Rams during the second half at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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What are people saying about the New York Knicks’ 2020 NBA Draft picks?

The results of the New York Knicks draft has been received with mixed emotions from the fanbase.

A lot of fans love the selection of Obi Toppin because of his production in college and eye-popping athleticism. The comparisons to former Knick Amar’e Stoudemire are also a plus. However, some in the fanbase are concerned about his defensive deficiencies. Many feel that will offset his potential offensive production.

What do the experts think?

So in order to gauge how the fans should feel about the Knicks’ draft, I decided to review several websites and see if there is a consensus from the experts. The results are actually more encouraging than what I expected.

Of the five sites I visited, three gave the Knicks a grade of B or higher. The two sites that gave the Knicks an A were USA Today and The Sporting News. They both cited Toppin’s talent in believing he was worthy of being a Top-4 pick, so having him fall to 8th was a bargain. They also reference his character, ties to New York, and NBA readiness. Realistic expectations for the 8th pick were also mentioned, and to paraphrase, they said just because he is a flawed player doesn’t mean he can’t still be very good. They also view Immanuel Quickley as a solid pick at 25.

As for the sites that weren’t enamored with the Knicks’s draft, both the Ringer and Yahoo Sports gave the Knicks a C grade. Yahoo Sports actually quoted Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer, who called Toppin “a brutal pick-and-roll defender”. O’Connor ranked Toppin as the 12th best player on his big board. They also questioned the Immanuel Quickley pick, believing the Knicks got duped by Kentucky coach John Calipari, who has a close friendship with Leon Rose and World Wide Wes.

Analyzing the experts opinion

The good news is that none of the experts dispute Toppin’s ability to step in and contribute immediately on the offensive end. Defense is were there is a difference of opinion. The sites that love the pick feel Toppin can get his defense to a respectable level so he won’t be played off the court. The sites that don’t like the pick are not optimistic about Toppin developing his game on the defensive end of the court, and therefore, will be a huge liability.

As for the Knicks’ other first round pick, Immanuel Quickley, the selection was graded between C and D.

Many sites noted his lack of explosiveness on offense and inability to finish at the rim. But the expectations for a late first rounder are not high to begin with.

However, what the critics fail to mention is that his selection wasn’t influenced by his college head coach, John Calipari, but by his college assistant coach Kenny Payne, who is now on the Knicks’ staff.

We just saw a guard with a similar archetype as Quickley, but shorter, just sign a 40year/$85MM contract in Fred VanVleet. The Toronto guard was a player the Knicks were targeting in free agency.

Next. Pros, Cons trading for John Wall. dark

Hopefully Quickley and Toppin can prove the critics wrong and make this one of the best drafts in Knicks’ history.

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