New York Knicks Draft Strategy: Target Upperclassmen
When the New York Knicks drafted Kevin Knox over (among others) Mikal Bridges, it made sense to me. Obviously, it’s turned out poorly, but consider the circumstances at the time: the team was terrible; their best player was injured and (at the very least) showing signs of discontent; they’d just made yet another coaching change and they weren’t quite bad enough for a chance at Luka Doncic or Trae Young.
When you’re devoid of talent and direction, taking the risk on upside is understandable. Why settle for a high-floor role player when you don’t yet have a foundation? What use do you have for Mikal or Miles Bridges when you need a star?
The draft approach is much different for the 2021 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are in a much different place today. A much better place. No stressing over an inevitably disappointing lottery. No more desperate searching for the next face of the franchise. So when Leon, Scott, Walt, Brock, and company enter the war room on July 29th, they don’t need to gamble because they don’t need a star.
Well, they do, but not from the draft, and where they’re slated to pick – 19, 21, 32, 58 – there’s no pressure to find one. In fact, for this draft to be a success, all the FO really needs to add is a guy or two (odds are they won’t use every pick) that can, in time, contribute to a contender. And it is my humble opinion that the best way to accomplish this is to focus on upperclassmen.
It’s a deep draft in every sense of the word: quality at every position; plenty of one-and-dones with star potential; and a lot of NCAA veterans that can both:
- Fight for a rotation spot immediately (maybe even replace some current FAs), and
- Grow with and around our young core.
Here are some guys from the latter category – the vets – that I believe Rose should consider: