Are the New York Knicks contending next season?
Barring something drastic, it’s highly unlikely that the New York Knicks will be in a position where there’s a single “no brainer pick”.
Trading up in the draft should absolutely be an option. If the team was able to create a package of picks and land a James Bouknight or Moses Moody, it should be considered a success.
Still, the team doesn’t need to be attached to the idea of needing to trade-up in the NBA draft.
The idea the New York Knicks are in a “win now” mode stems from the fact the organization and fanbase are so far removed from playoff basketball that suddenly, New York is in the “1 offseason away from championship-contending” status.
This isn’t to say New York can’t build off of their magical 2021 season.
This team still has to catch up with the top-dogs of the Eastern Conference such as the Bucks, Nets, 76ers, and Hawks. That’s not to mention other teams who have longer track records of winning than New York – the Celtics and the Heat.
It seems like the combination of being unfamiliar with winning basketball and Thibodeau’s perceived reputation of being allergic to younger players has molded some arguments as to what the team should do during the draft.
Really, there is no single “correct approach” for an NBA Draft unless you’re absolutely in “win-a-title-or-bust” mode, or you have the number 1 pick.
The only approach should be sticking to your big board and maximizing value.
If the team trades up to the 15th spot and selects a prospect who was ranked 9th on their big board – fantastic. If they draft 2 players who they had 13th and 18th on their board with picks 19 and 21 – fantastic.
So what is the shortlist of players the New York Knicks could go for in the NBA Draft?