The Knicks botch Draft

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks had one job to get a top tier PG to fill their biggest need. With the #8 pick, the Knicks chose Frank Ntilikina, a european prospect. This was his bio:

Ntilikina is a high-floor prospect who is destined for, at the very least, a long career as a versatile, two-way player with a high IQ and professional approach to the game. With the physical profile of an NBA two guard (6'6 with a 7-foot wingspan and a projectable frame) and a high motor, Ntilikina projects as a three-position defender who can make a spot up three, play off of closeouts, execute the simple pass while on or off the ball, and use his long strides to slither his way to the rim out of pick and roll. - Source: ©DraftExpress

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

By all account he should be an excellent defender with some upside on offense. The biggest issue is that most scouts believe that he fits better as an off ball guard, which is the problem. The Knicks need a PG and the worst thing about that is Dennis Smith was still available. Here is his bio:

Long-regarded as a potential top five prospect during his high school years, Smith is the most physically explosive guard in the draft, and in the right situation, could very well outplay his draft slot due to his immense natural talent. Strong, explosive guards who can score at all three levels like Smith on't grow on trees, and have proven very valuable in a ball screen-heavy, well-spaced NBA game. An improved shooter, powerful penetrator, and explosive leaper, Smith can go get you a bucket late clock. Averaging 18.1 points per game as a freshman in the ACC is no easy feat. - Source: ©DraftExpress

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Anyone can see that Smith is the kind of player that the Knicks so desperately needed. Sure people can point to his work ethic and his lack of effort on defense. But look at today's game, he is built for it. I don't see people complaining about Kyrie Irving's lack of defense or Lilliard small stature hurting his defense.

Ntilikina could become a very good player that becomes a top tier defender but the game has changed and scoring has become even more important as we saw in the Finals as both teams shattered some of the team scoring records. This pick also is a fit for the triangle thats the other thing I don't like about it. The triangle is outdated and Jackson has to get with the program. The most important position in today's game is the PG. They dictate everything. Look at the playoff teams from IT2, John Wall, Irving, Curry, Lilliard, CP3, Westbrook and Harden all being major contributors. You need a dynamic player at the point.

As usual the Knicks keep messing things up. They had a shot at an elite PG in Dennis Smith, instead chose a player for defense and a fit for the triangle.