2015 Draft Review: New York Knicks

2015-16 Rotation

PG: Jose Calderon/Jerian Grant

SG: Langston Galloway

SF: Cleanthony Early

PF: Carmelo Anthony/Kristaps Porzingis

C: ???

2015 Free Agents

PF Quincy Acy (RFA)

G Alexey Shved (RFA)

PF Travis Wear (RFA)

C Cole Aldrich

PF Lou Amundson

C Andrea Bargnani

PG Shane Larkin

PF Jason Smith

F Lance Thomas

What They Did On Draft Night

Drafted Latvian power forward Kristaps Porzingis 3rd overall

Though I didn't think he was the forth best player in the draft, as a prospect, Porzingis is the real deal and should be good, but I am not sure New York is a great fit for him. Not because as soon as he misses a shot, their fans will be all over him, but because his position of power forward is one that should be filled by Carmelo Anthony. Anthony's defense is much more bearable at power forward, and his offense is absolutely devastating at that position. This makes even less sense when you factor Porzingis is somewhat of a project that won't be ready to play starters minutes for another year or two; during that time Carmelo will also be getting older (shocking I know) and he'll become even more of a defensive liability on the perimeter. Now if they trade Anthony and commit to a true rebuilding, giving Porzingis the minutes he needs to develop that is another matter. However I can't see the Knicks doing that, instead they'll likely go for the quick fix and Porzingis' development will stall. I can't fault New York for taking a player that has a chance to be very good, but it may cause some issues down the line when all of their players are ready to go full-out and fit together weirdly. I also worry they won't be patient with his development.

Traded Tim Hardaway Jr. to Atlanta for the 19th overall pick, drafted Notre Dame point guard Jerian Grant

As questionable as the first pick is, their second move looks brilliant. Tim Hardaway Jr. might not be an NBA player, but the Knicks got a first round pick for him. Better that that, they selected an excellent prospect at good value. Jerian Grant has starting potential for New York and has the size they want in the triangle. In a more traditional offense, Grant excels in pick-and-roll but is equally effective off the ball because of how well he moves off the ball. Defensively, he has potential to defend both guard spots at an above-average level. On a good team, Grant is probably the first guard off of the bench, but the Knicks are not a good team so he should probably start and be given every opportunity until a definitively better player comes along to move him to the bench.

Traded two future second rounders for Spanish center Guillermo Hernangomez, drafted 35th overall by Philadelphia

The Knicks basically owe Philadelphia every one of their second round picks from now until the earth collapses into a black hole (an apt metaphor for the Knicks), but they got a solid young prospect in this trade. Hernangomez is likely a stash for a year or two, but he fits well in the triangle because he can face up while having good feel passing and the handling the ball. Defensively he isn't a shot blocker, but is relatively mobile and could become a good below the rim defender. Hernangomez played on the same team as Porzingis in Spain, so they two have some chemistry. I doubt he becomes a starter, but for 10-15 minutes a night Hernangomez could be a decent backup center in the triangle.

What To Do Next?

What the Knicks shouldn't do is go for 30+ year-old free agents in an attempt to win now, unless they are on short term one, maybe two year deals. Instead they should focus on the years in the future when Porzingis will presumably become the star to lead their team. Center Robin Lopez still has a number of prime years left and could be the defensive anchor that the Knicks so desperately need while not costing them too much money. A less expensive center option would be restricted free agent Bismack Biyombo, who while certainly a flawed player can protect the rim and wouldn't cost much. They should also make a run at DeMarre Carroll, Danny Green, Wes Matthews and even Jimmy Butler, but without going overboard financially to get one. Forward Al-Farouq Aminu is a different type of player than those others, but he would compliment Carmelo very well. Trading Carmelo should definitely be on the table, especially if they can get back draft picks or a good young player.

A bonus trade sure to never happen

Carmelo Anthony to Dallas for Chandler Parsons, Justin Anderson, Dwight Powell, and Devin Harris

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2015 Draft Preview: Chicago Bulls

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Derrick Rose

SG: Tony Snell/E'Twaun Moore

SF: Doug McDermott

PF: Pau Gasol/Nikola Mirotic

C: Joakim Noah/Taj Gibson/Cameron Bairstow

2015 Free Agents

SG Jimmy Butler (RFA) 

PG Aaron Brooks

SF Mike Dunleavy

G Kirk Hinrich (player option)

C Nazr Muhammed 

2015 Draft Picks

1-22

Team Needs

Chicago's biggest need is health and time enough to learn their new coaches system to be able to play as a together as a unit. In more of a player personnel sense, a lot will depend on whether Mike Dunleavy is re-signed. Even if Doug McDermott is ready to take Dunleavy's role, Chicago will still need depth and a defensive stopper to compliment him. New Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg is an offensive-minded coach that uses a lot of movement, tempo, and shooting in his offenses, so he'll likely be looking at players that fit that template. Because of their injury issues, depth up-and-down the roster is always a need for Chicago.

Potential Fits

Looking at prospects that might be available when the Bulls draft, Sam Dekker seems like an ideal fit in Hoiberg's offense. He is offensively versatile, able to play either forward position, handle the ball, get out in transition, and (mostly) shoot the ball. Another way Chicago could replace a potentially departing Dunleavy is with Georgia State's R.J. Hunter, who is more of a two-guard but could flip spots with Jimmy Butler and give Bulls some much needed shooting. Any of the power forwards with jump shooting potential would make sense because of Hoiberg's emphasis on spacing the floor. Lyles, Looney, Wood all would fit. Another option would be a point guard, not that Derrick Rose and Aaron Brooks need upgrading, but a deep, versatile offensive backcourt would give them a lot of offensive options, plus Brooks is a free agent and would still need to be re-signed. Notre Dame's Jerian Grant would be perfect because of his size, but he might not be available.

Mock Draft

22. Sam Dekker, F, Wisconsin

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2015 Draft Preview: Houston Rockets

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Pablo Prigioni/Nick Johnson

SG: James Harden

SF: Trevor Ariza/Kostas Papanikolau

PF: Terrence Jones/Donatas Motiejunas

C: Dwight Howard/Clint Capela/Joey Dorsey

2015 Free Agents

PG Patrick Beverly (RFA)

F K.J. McDaniels (RFA)

SG Corey Brewer

PF Josh Smith

PG Jason Terry

2015 Draft Picks

1-18 via New Orleans

2-2(32)

Team Needs

GM Daryl Morey are always active in free agency and trades, so it's hard to really predict what Houston's roster needs are really going to be because of how dramatically things can change for them. However, you can see at least that point guard is a place they could could look to address simply because Patrick Beverly is coming off an injury, Jason Terry is a free agent and both he and Pablo Prigioni are older than dirt. Another reason Houston could look to upgrade James Harden's workload. Last season he was frequently the only perimeter player on the floor really able to create anything, which led to an MVP-caliber season but also is probably not tenable on the long term and hurt them in the playoffs. Corey Brewer is a free agent, so a high energy wing player could be another direction they look, as is a versatile big man if Josh Smith moves on.

Potential Fits

There are three main point guard prospects that could possibly be available when Houston picks in the first round: Duke's Tyus Jones, Murray State's Cameron Payne, and Notre Dame's Jerian Grant. Of those three, Grant makes the most sense for Houston because he is the best defender yet is still capable of being a primary playmaker. The case you could make for Jones or Payne is that while Grant is a good shooter off the dribble, his spot-up game is behind the other two. He is also the oldest by a couple years, but is clearly the most ready to contribute as well which should matter more to a team like Houston who is firmly in their championship window. With their early second rounder, Houston can target depth along the frontline or take a shot on a European player to develop overseas. 

Mock Draft

18. Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame

32. Nikola Milutinov, C Partizan

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2015 Draft Preview: Milwaukee Bucks

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Michael Carter-Williams/Tyler Ennis/Jorge Gutierrez 

SG: O.J. Mayo/Jerryd Bayless

SF: Giannis Antetokounmpo/Damien Ingles

PF: Jabari Parker/Johnny O'Bryant III

C: Zaza Pachulia/John Henson/Miles Plumlee

2015 Free Agents

G/F Khris Middleton (RFA)

F Jared Dudley (early termination option)

2015 Draft Picks

1-17

2-16(46)

Team Needs

Provided Khris Middleton is re-signed, which you can assume the Bucks would do at basically whatever cost, the the Bucks starting lineup is essentially set, barring the unexpected acquisition of an above-average center. In that case, the Buck should be drafting for both depth and upside, particularly in the frontcourt where the trade of Ersan Ilyasova has left them a little shallow. This could become an even bigger issue if Jabari Parker and/or Giannis Antetokounmpo struggle to defend power forwards. I could also see Milwaukee looking at one of the top point guards if they are available because while they just traded for Michael Carter-Williams, he hasn't really improved much as a player and might not be the future at the position. 

Potential Fits

The Bucks love long athletes with positional versatility and there are three that should be around when they pick: UCLA's Kevon Looney, UNLV's Christian Wood and Montrezl Harrell of Louisville. Wood is intruiging, but is similar in a lot of ways to John Henson, albiet with a better jumper. Harrell is the least offensive skilled, but has the most NBA-ready body and game but I think Looney, if available would be the pick because he is the sweet spot of upside and ready to contribute skills a team like the Bucks would like as the balance building for the future with a chance to keep making the playoffs. After that, Harrell has the best chance of success but Wood much more upside. Of the point guards, I think Jerian Grant is the one that would intruige them the most because he has the size to play multiple spots. Georgia State shooting guard R.J. Hunter is an interesting option if O.J. Mayo is traded or Khris Middleton gets offered more than Milwaukee is comfortable with matching. 

Mock Draft

17. Christian Wood, F/C, UNLV

46. Andrew Harrison, G, Kentucky

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2015 Draft Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Russell Westbrook/D.J. Augustin

SG: Anthony Morrow/Dion Waiters/Jeremy Lamb

SF: Kevin Durant/Andre Roberson/Josh Huestis/Steve Novak

PF: Serge Ibaka/Nick Collison/Perry Jones III

C: Steven Adams/Mitch McGary

2015 Free Agents

C Enes Kanter (RFA)

SF Kyle Singer (RFA)

2015 Draft Picks

1-14

2-18(48)

Team Needs

Oklahoma City's biggest need is to stay healthy for a whole season and with their rotation next year essentially set, any player they draft is likely to be only a bit player at first (unless those pesky injuries strike again). Because of this, Oklahoma City will be looking down the line for needs that may pop up in the future. Next summer D.J. Augustin, Dion Waiters, and Jeremy Lamb could all depart in free agency, leaving Oklahoma City thin in the backcourt. It can't be ruled out that Oklahoma City would use some of their myriad pieces to trade up for a first year impact prospect, they could also trade down or out of the first round altogether.

Potential Fits

Assuming that Oklahoma City is thinking backcourt, there are four main prospects in their range to look at: Duke's Tyus Jones, Murray State's Cameron Payne, Notre Dame's Jerian Grant, and Kentucky's Devin Booker. Jones, Payne, and Grant are all point guards; Jones is the best pure playmaker, but he has questions about his ability to defend and finish, not unlike Augustin. Payne is a good combination of scoring and playmaking, but also has similar size and defense questions. Grant is the best of the three right now (also the oldest) because he can defend either guard spot, but also legitimately play point guard full time if needed. Booker is a better shooter than all three, but isn't a point guard. At just 18 he has the most upside and could be groomed for a year as Anthony Morrow-insurance before taking a bigger role next season. New coach Billy Donovan will want players who can space the floor and move the ball, both of which Booker can do.

Mock Draft

14. Devin Booker, SG, Kentucky

48. Cedi Osman, SF, Andolu Efes

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2015 Draft Preview: Phoenix Suns

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Eric Bledsoe

SG: Archie Goodwin/Reggie Bullock/Jerel McNeal

SF: P.J. Tucker/T.J. Warren

PF: Markieff Morris/Marcus Morris

C: Alex Len

2015 Free Agents

G Brandon Knight (RFA)

C Earl Barron

SF Danny Granger (player option)

SG Gerald Green

SG Marcus Thornton

C Brandan Wright

2015 Draft Picks

1-13

2-14(44)

Team Needs

Assuming Brandon Knight is re-signed, which all signs point to, the biggest hole that stands out is backup center. This is especially worrisome because Alex Len has struggled injuries both of his seasons so far and isn't yet a complete player. A third point guard, preferably one that can play alongside both Knight and Bledsoe, is also a need, though this may be a spot Phoenix wishes to fill with a veteran. After Knight, the Suns have a number of intruiging young players there, all with strengths and flaws. If Phoenix can grab a more complete shooting guard the backup Knight, it would allow them more flexibility to use Archie Goodwin more as a ballhandler and Reggie Bullock out on the wing, where his shooting will be more useful.

Potential Fits

If any of the top shelf center prospects fall, Phoenix would be wise to pounce; especially if they compliment Len's game well. Even if they don't, Phoenix will still likely have an excellent option available with Arkansas' Bobby Portis. Portis is a tough, physical, old school big man who should be able to backup Len at center, or play power forward alongside him. Portis is a smart defender that can also help provide driving lanes for Knight and Bledsoe with tough screens and outside shooting touch. If Phoenix is looking to strengthen their backcourt, Notre Dame's Jerian Grant would fit nicely as a third guard able to play either guard spot because of his ability to defend most shooting guards. Kentucky guard Devin Booker is a off-guard only but is a dynamite shooter who would really make defenses pay for helping onto Bledsoe and Knight. In the second round, there are a couple solid backup center types such as Syracuse's Rakeem Christmas or Spanish international Guillermo Hernangomez that could probably play a couple minutes a game as Len's backup, but might be overexposed if they had to start because of a Len injury. Third point guard is another area they could address with their security no round pick, local Arizona prospect T.J. McConnell is far from flashy, but gets the job done when needed. Oregon's James Young, Kentucky's Andrew Harrison, and Olivier Hanlan of Boston College are more combo guards, but would provide some interesting versatility.

Mock Draft

13. Bobby Portis, F/C, Arkansas

44. T.J. McConnell, PG, Arizona

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