New York Knicks: Post-Lottery Drama

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What could have been the silver lining for the New York Knicks’ organization ended in abysmal fashion on the night of the 2015 NBA Lottery. While the Knicks had a 19.9% chance, second behind the Minnesota Timberwolves, of claiming the number one overall pick, they were selected to choose fourth in the upcoming NBA draft.

In addition to following the Timberwolves, the Knicks will choose behind the Los Angeles Lakers (11.9%), who own the second overall pick, and the Philadelphia 76ers (15.6%), who owns the third overall selection.

Cue the agony New York. After months of pain for Knicks’ fans, due to a tanked season, they have been rewarded with a disappointing pick in fourth overall. Clearly the Knicks couldn’t even tank correctly, as they defeated the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, and the 76ers in the last two weeks of the season. Ultimately, these so-called victories decreased the Knicks’ chances at the number one overall pick.

From an outsider’s perspective, who wouldn’t want the fourth pick? The answer is simple, both the Knicks’ fans and Knicks organization don’t. Steve Mills, general manager for the Knicks, has said that with the fourth overall selection, they are open to discussing possible alternatives. Mills was the lottery representative for the Knicks and seemed to have the reaction most Knicks’ fans, as his team was announced.

Having aspirations of potentially drafting Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns or Duke’s Jahil Okafor never looked so promising for the Knicks and their fans, prior to the lottery. Those aspirations have been dissolved into the Knicks’ continuous woes. In addition to Towns and Okafor, more than likely, being gone, there is a slight possibility that Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell could potentially fall to the fourth selection. Be wary Knicks fans, it wouldn’t come to any surprise if the Philadelphia 76ers, picking third overall, select Russell.

Where does this leave the Knicks? As stated earlier, the Knicks could deal their selection away. If the Knicks were to keep their pick, they could select point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, projected to fourth overall. In addition to Mudiay, the Knicks could go with alternate Duke player in Justise Winslow. Both valuable options, but with the current state of the Knicks, it’s going to take far more than a potential star player.

Mudiay holds an eager and mysterious nature to his character. Being the age of 19, Mudiay plays in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the Guangdong Southern Tigers. Creating a presence in the backcourt could begin an upward trend for the downward spiraling Knicks, as they need help in a multitude of areas.

Photo Credit: Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports

Winslow, on the other hand, has increased his draft stock value during the NCAA March Madness tournament. Playing alongside Okafor, Winslow has slowly created a name for himself. By protecting the ball, defending, and always being a threat to shoot, Winslow could find a niche with the Knicks.

If ends meet, the Knicks pulled off being the typical Knicks they are known for, as they pulled the fourth overall selection. The question remains, could they trade the pick, and provide more stress to Knicks fans, or select a young premier talent, that could sway the franchise in an upward trend?

*Vine credited to Valerie Vine Star.