New York's Draft Plans - 2011
The Knicks' "revival" as a franchise in their first seasons with Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups ended in a four-game sweep by the Celtics. Granted, some of that can be due to injuries to their big three, but New York is in a situation to add some much-needed depth and advance a playoff run next season. Starting Ronny Turiaf or Shelden Williams at center just won't cut it. After Landry Fields' hot start to his rookie campaign, he slowed down right after Carmelo was acquired. Just in case of another injury or Chauncey Billups' aging even more, a backup point guard is another option.
At No. 17, the Knicks aren't in a terrible position to pick-up a player that they like and fill a need, but they may be too late on some of their top options. Shooting guard Klay Thompson's shooting is in high demand and he could go as early as 10 or 11 to Milwaukee or Golden State. Marshon Brooks' scoring and length is in play with Phoenix at No. 13. Jimmer Fredette's name could be called as early as the lottery or as low as Indiana, right before the Knicks pick. So their top remaining backcourt options would be Josh Selby, a dynamically athletic combo-guard, who has some on and off the court questions to answer. 4s like Kenneth Faried or Bismack Biyombo would be great options to slide Amare over to the 5 and they would provide the hustle and rebounding that Amare lacks. Or center Nikola Vucevic, a true center prospect with an inside-outside game, would keep Amare at the 4 full-time and provide an instant upgrade to their frontcourt.
By President Corey Ruff - 6-18-11
