NBA Draft Rumors 2014: New York Knicks trying to move up for P.J. Hairston?

Dec 18, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Suspended North Carolina Tar Heels guard P.J. Hairston (center) watches his team warm up prior to the second half against the Texas Longhorns at the Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center. Texas won 86-83. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Legends’ swingman P.J. Hairston is one of the most interesting prospects in the 2014 NBA Draft.

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After becoming a McDonalds All-American in high shcool, Hairston decided to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Hairston didn’t quite live up to his hype, but showed improvement in each of his first two seasons and many thought he was a budding star entering his junior season. However, he was then involved in a controversy surrounding rental cars and was suspended. He soon decided to join the NBA’s D-League and wound up with the Legends.

Hairston measured in at 6’5.25 and 229 pounds with a wing span of 6’9, showing decent size at the NBA’s Scouting Combine. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express currently ranks Hairston as the 24th-best prospect in the draft and projects to be selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 24th-overall pick.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, Hairston has a private workout scheduled with the Knicks for Thursday.

Clear sign New York Knicks trying to move into 1st round: PJ Hairston private workout for Phil Jackson & Knicks Thursday, source told ESPN.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 4, 2014

15-20 range. @JoshuaHump15: @GoodmanESPN what do you think the highest PJ can go?
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 4, 2014

There have been plenty of indications the Knicks were looking for a pick, but it was thought to be in the “30-40 range.” Now, it looks like the Knicks may be swinging for the fences.

Hairston averaged 21.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 32.3 minutes per game in 26 appearances for the Legends this season, showing he was one of the best players in the D-League.

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