The Knicks came to a crossroads in their rebuilding process, and to the delight (and dismay) of many fans, the Knicks have opted to build from the bottom up. This plan - put in motion by Phil Jackson, the Zen Master - will require the team to make all the right moves in free agency and the draft.
What's striking about this decision: any move the Knicks make in free agency will be determined by the player they draft in the first round on June 25. Assuming that the Knicks obtain a top-5 pick thanks to their deplorable play and some help from the basketball gods, there are three prospects in particular who can help reshape the team's identity.
In addition to their impact on the floor, these prospects also will give us some clues as to which free agents Phil Jackson will pursue this offseason.
1. Jahlil Okafor, Center, Duke
This is the safest bet for the Knicks, as they're in dire need of an athletic interior presence on both ends of the floor. This pick would mirror 1985, as the Knicks selected Patrick Ewing with the number 1 pick, which changed the course of the franchise for nearly 15 years, and turned the Knicks into a playoff team almost immediately.
If the Knicks select Okafor, he would have an instant impact as soon as he steps on the floor. He has one of the most polished post games in all of college basketball, is an above-average passer, and these strengths would pay serious dividends in the triangle offense. Furthermore, his strength and athleticism would provide a consistent rebounding presence, and he's a sound rim protector on the defensive end.
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In terms of free agency, picking Okafor would allow the Knicks to pursue two different types of players to compliment the big man. They could pursue a point guard to help facilitate the offense and get Okafor the ball in positions where he could succeed - Goran Dragic comes to mind, as he has stated that New York would be a viable option this offseason.
The other option would be to pursue another big man to play alongside Okafor at the power forward position, moving Carmelo Anthony to his natural small forward position. The obvious choice would be LaMarcus Aldridge, who does his best work in the mid-post and pick-and-pop situations. This would give the Knicks two consistent rebounders, as well as the ability to space the floor more efficiently with Aldridge's mid-range shooting ability.
2. Emmanuel Mudiay, Point Guard, China
Another viable option would be to draft big, freakishly athletic point guard Emmanuel Mudiay. Mudiay decided on taking the Brandon Jennings route to the NBA by playing one year abroad in China, and although limited in action, he has been impressive to say the least. Mudiay is averaging 18 PPG on nearly 50 percent shooting, and plays a well rounded game, collecting 6 boards and dishing out nearly 6 assists per contest.
Mudiay would be a great asset for the Knicks, as he thrives on being able to penetrate and draw double teams when attacking the rim, thus leaving easy opportunities for big men and open three-point chances. He also has the potential to be a lock-down defender on the perimeter with his length and speed against opposing point guards, who have consistently torched the Knicks for the last few seasons.
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Drafting Mudiay would push the Knicks to go after the cream of the crop of this free agent class in Marc Gasol and, or possibly LaMarcus Aldridge. Either one of these all-stars - in combination with Mudiay at the point and Carmelo at the 3 - would thrust the Knicks into contention for the Eastern title almost immediately. Marc Gasol would add nearly everything the Knicks lack - he's a scoring center widely known as the best passer at his position, and he's also a world-class defender and rebounder.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, Center, Kentucky
Most scouts see Jahlil Okafor as the best big man in this year's upcoming draft, however, Karl-Anthony Towns is a close second, and would have a lasting impact on the Knicks if they were to draft him. Towns would be comparable to Tyson Chandler, and could replicate his success as the anchor of the defense. Towns can protect the rim and give the Knicks more second-chance opportunities given his offensive rebounding prowess.
The biggest questions when it comes to Towns are his ability to score in one-on-one situations in the post and his ability as a passer...both of which are of extreme importance in the triangle offense. That being said, he's only 19, and hopefully through his development in the NBA, he'd be able to grow into a consistent contributor on the offensive side of the floor.
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Drafting Towns would give the Knicks a wide array of ways to approach free agency. Much like if they were to draft Okafor, the Knicks would then have the ability to pursue a true point guard in Rajon Rondo or Goran Dragic in combination with another big man who can give a more consistent offensive punch -i.e. LaMarcus Aldridge.
Since this pick would undoubtedly shore up the Knicks' interior defensive issues, they could also look to adding a secondary offensive weapon at the small forward position, if Carmelo Anthony is moved to power forward. Rudy Gay would be a great fit, as he's thrived this year as the second option to DeMarcus Cousins on the Sacaramento Kings. Also, when he was with Memphis, Gay was a consistent contributor in the playoffs...and one would have to think he'd be willing to relocate to play for a contender once again.
The options are endless for the Knicks this offseason, and their fate will be sealed with the decisions made by Phil Jackson in the coming months. In any case, all three of these young prospects have the ability to change the fortune of the once storied, now abysmal Knickerbockers.
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