Knicks 2013 draft pick

[nixon7]

Let's assume late first round pick 20-30 range.

So who should they target?

My vote:

Myck Kabongo

(ESPN draft summary below)

Overall Rank 33
Position Rank 4
Hollinger PER 19.65
Projection Late First Round Pick
Positives

Pure point guard
Excellent floor vision/leadership
Makes very few mistakes
Good athlete with quick first step
Great first step to the basket
Good shooter with range out to the 3-point line
Committed defender
Great kid

Negatives

A bit undersized

[nixon7]

Some other options (other than Myck Kabango, who may stay in school, or be picked ahead of the Knicks):

Backup Centers: Gogui Dieng, Steven Adams
Backup PG: Shane Larkin, BJ Young, Lorenzo Brown

My first choice of a big (in the Anthony Mason mold) is Patric Young. However, he has chosen to stay in school another year, which might mean the Knicks can target him in the 2014 draft.

If Myck Kabango is unavailable at draft time, I would first go big with Dieng, then Adams, and then maybe Shane Larkin after that. I would definitely want to stay away from mistake/turnover prone PGs, even the ones ranked higher than Kabango overall. We do not need super scoring from the backup PGs, although being a 3-pt threat is a big deal. However, low turnovers, good defense, and the ability to get into the paint [finish when necessary] and then dish is the profile I think we all want in a PG.

As far as backup centers go, I think durabilty #1, shot blocking and rebounding. I do not care much about scoring outside of the paint. The other argument does exist, an offensive big (either an outside threat to draw opposing centers out) or a real post-up player would make the Knicks offense practically unstoppable. However, a great shot-blocker would make up tremendously for the Knicks defensive deficiencies (look at the impact that Chandler and KMart - good but not great shot-blockers - have had). This was the role we all envisioned for Camby, but he just cannot stay healthy.

Gorgui Dieng
Long, athletic big man
Excellent rebounder
Intimidating shot blocker
Good passer for a big man
Unselfish
Unpolished offensive player
Old for his class

Steven Adams
Long, athletic big man
NBA body with huge hands
Very physical player
Terrific rebounder
Excellent motor
Needs to add experience/polish
Looks completely lost on offense
Very young for a NBA prospect

Shane Larkin
Super quick point guard
Excellent shooter with range
Pesky defender who racks up steals
Sees the floor well
Aggressive
Undersized for his position
Rarely gets to the free throw line
Struggles as a finisher

BJ Young
Scoring combo guard
Quick first step
Fast with the ball
Attacks the basket
Great floater
Explosive
Sees the floor well
Needs to improve his jumper
Mistake prone

Lorenzo Brown
Quick, big point guard
Excellent ball handler
Quick first step
Solid playmaker
Needs to add strength
Needs to improve jumper
Needs to be a better finisher at the basket