New York Knicks: 2009 NBA Draft

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:04:13 -0700

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

- We’ll update our Team Capsules with more specific info once the lottery is complete.

New York Knicks

2008-09 Record: 32-50 (5^th Atlantic; 14^th in the East)

Draft Pick: 8^th

Key Free Agents:

David Lee (restricted)

Nate Robinson (restricted)

Al Harrington (unrestricted; player option)

How they got here:

Out went Isiah Thomas and in came the tandem of Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni, selling Knicks fans the dream of the 2010 free agent market. New York never made a play-off push, but they did succeed in ridding themselves of Stephon Marbury. The up-tempo style offered some excitement, but the resulting lack of defense also accounted for some remarkable performances by opponents (most notably LeBron James and Kobe Bryant) this season. Three important members of the rotation can hit the market this summer, and you’d think that retaining David Lee would be a goal for New York despite their desire to save money for next summer’s free agent bonanza.

What they need:

The question for the Knicks: are they sold on a tandem of Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson at the point? As exciting as the diminutive slam dunk champion is, he’s not a true point guard. And Duhon, who wore down over the final three months of the season, is a free agent in 2010. According to the New York Daily News the front office has been in talks with Spaniard Carlos Cabezas, who could be the answer at the point. If Cabezas is signed New York could draft a mobile big man instead. But expect the Knicks to resort to playing a woefully small lineup next season, picking a point guard suited to run D’Antoni’s system in the lottery.

Who they’ll take:

They’ve got options, especially with the possibility of signing Cabezas. It would make sense for the Knicks to go with a point guard here, given the presence of Wilson Chandler on the wing. Harrington may not return (given his inability to let go of the rim in a pair of losses to the lowly Clippers, I’d expect him in a different uniform), and they could let Robinson walk if a preliminary offer is too steep. Brandon Jennings, Eric Maynor and Ty Lawson (if he declares) could all be part of the conversation, as could Louisville’s Earl Clark if the Knicks go for a versatile forward to replace Harrington.

Draft History (since 2000)

2008: Danilo Gallinari (6^th)

2007: Wilson Chandler (23^rd)

2006: Renaldo Balkman (20^th), Mardy Collins (29^th)

2005: Channing Frye (8^th), David Lee (30^th), Dijon Thompson (54^th)

2004: Trevor Ariza (44^th)

2003: Mike Sweetney (9^th), Maciej Lampe (30^th), Slavko Vranes (39^th)

2002: Nene Hilario (7^th)

2001: Michael Wright (39^th)

2000: Donnell Harvey (22^nd), Lavor Postell (39^th)

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

Top Prospects

Stephen Curry - PG/SG - Davidson

Tyreke Evans - PG/SG - Memphis

Blake Griffin - PF - Oklahoma

James Harden - SG - Arizona State

Jordan Hill - PF - Arizona

Ty Lawson - PG - UNC

BJ Mullens - C - Ohio State

Ricky Rubio - PG - DKV Joventut

Brandon Jennings - PG - Arizona

Hasheem Thabeet - C - UCONN

new york knicks

New York Knicks: 2009 NBA Draft