Scribbles
Rotation player
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...09-06-24_gerald_figuring_into_knicks_mix.html
Gerald Henderson could emerge as the surprise pick of the NBA draft's first round, assuming the Knicks' top three targets - Ricky Rubio, Stephen Curry and Tyreke Evans - are off the board.
The Knicks own the eighth pick in Thursday's draft and are trying to move into the top four in order to take Rubio, the highly touted point guard from Spain. Rubio, Curry and Evans are all projected to go in the top seven.
When it comes time for the Knicks to make their pick, point guards Brandon Jennings and Jrue Holiday should both be available, but people familiar with the club's thinking claim that Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni prefer Henderson, a 6-5 shooting guard from Duke and son of the former NBA player - and former Knick - of the same name.
The thinking among the Knicks' brain trust is that Henderson, unlike Jennings and Holiday, has the ability to step in and make an immediate contribution. Henderson, who averaged 16.5 points last season as a junior, is regarded a strong character individual with a high basketball IQ. In a majority of mock drafts, Henderson is projected to be picked either 11th or 12th.
One opposing GM said Tuesday that taking Henderson as high as eight "is a risk." However, it is also worth noting that Henderson's college coach, Mike Krzyzewski, forged a relationship with D'Antoni when they coached the 2008 Olympic team. The Knicks signed free agent Chris Duhon last summer on Coach K's recommendation.
Duhon's arrival prompted D'Antoni to bury Stephon Marbury on the bench, a controversial decision that resulted in Marbury eventually negotiating a buyout with the club. Duhon had a strong debut with the Knicks but struggled over the last three months of the season.
Also, Henderson's agent is Arn Tellem, who has remained close to Walsh throughout the years. Tellem also represents Danilo Gallinari, the Knicks' lottery pick from a year ago.
When Walsh met with reporters on Monday, the Knicks president admitted that the team has had conversations about trading up in the draft, possibly to acquire Rubio. Walsh also dismissed the widely held belief that the Knicks are committed to drafting a point guard with the eighth pick.
They could, however, select a point guard if Walsh buys an additional first-round pick. Several cash-strapped teams are said to be willing to trade their picks for cash.
"I've told you guys you have to get good players when you have this kind of opportunity," Walsh said this week. "We have to pick the right guys."
