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After multiple spot-on draft selections in 2020 and 2021 set the Knicks up for their best stretch in recent franchise history, New York should look to recreate that success this year. They have back-to-back late first round picks at Nos. 24 and 25, plus the 38th overall pick, and have been relatively inactive in the past two drafts.
Assuming they use one or more of these selections, what kind of player should they be targeting?
Here are three things the Knicks should look for in their latest rookie:
Guard creator
Without Julius Randle, the Knicks had to put a tremendous creation burden on Jalen Brunson during last year’s playoffs, with the next best available options to generate scoring being Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein and Miles McBride. As commendable a job as those three did, none are traditional floor generals — and the Knicks could use some more depth in this department.
Free agency may be the better path to securing this type of player, with Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook on the market this summer. New York could also bring their 2021 draftee, Rokas Jokubaitis, from overseas.
Even with those options, they should look to the draft for some assistance as well. Tyler Kolek, Jared McCain,Carlton Carrington and Isaiah Collier are among the names who would fit the bill should they drop to New York’s picks or the Knicks trade up for one of them.
It’s hard to see a prospect earning a secure rotation spot in year one, but if they have the talent, it could happen. McBride and Alec Burks were the Knicks’ lone backup guards by the postseason, and however Burks’ impending free agency plays out, New York should beef that spot up.
McBride was obviously a standout in 2023-24, but played his best as a two next to Brunson. This pick could serve as insurance on McBride’s offensive development, allowing the Knicks to play him at his best position until he becomes a more rounded guard.
Frontcourt depth
A fully healthy Knicks roster boasts Josh Hart as a backup four, and one of the best center rotations in the league with Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims backing up the five spot behind…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-traits-knicks-looking-during-133003043.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-06-19 13:30:03
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