This offseason is a critical one for the New York Knicks, especially when it comes to their first-round pick in the upcoming 2015 NBA Draft. They fell from the No. 2 pick to the No. 4 pick in the draft lottery, but there are still a few prospects the team should steer clear of in favor of other options. Here's 3 Players The Knicks Should Avoid In The 2015 NBA Draft.
1. PG D’Angelo Russell - Ohio State
Russell burst on the scene for the Buckeyes and was their best player from day one this season, and consistently dominated everyone they played at the college level. Scouts love his skills, leadership, and assertiveness, but his limited athleticism and lackluster defense put a cap on how good he can be in the NBA. The Knicks are looking to draft their next superstar with this pick, and Russell won’t turn into that guy.
2. PF Kristaps Porzingis - Sevilla
Stats: 6.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg
Porzingis would’ve been a first round pick in the draft if he would’ve come out last year, but decided to wait another year to improve his game. The seven-footer has emerged as one of the more offensively polished big men in this draft, but teams want to see him be more physical. The Knicks need someone who can make an immediate impact, and Porzingis needs several years to fully develop - if he ever does.
3. Trade McTraderson - Trade University
We're cheating on this one, but hear us out. Reports out of MSG indicate that Phil Jackson is willing to trade down if the Knicks fell outside of the top three of the NBA Draft Lottery. While it's tempting to build up the team's cache of picks and potential role players with a swap, there's too many talented big men and wing players hanging around the top five to trade out of position. Pick up a young, top-tier prospect on a workable contract and move forward that way.
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