New York Knicks: Looking back at a dumpster fire draft history

Mar 18, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan introduces New York Knicks new president of basketball operations Phil Jackson (not pictured) at a press conference at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 9, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Alan Anderson (6) defends against Orlando Magic forward Channing Frye (8) during the second half at Barclays Center.The Brooklyn Nets won 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

2003 – 9th overall

Michael Sweetney – PF – Georgetown

Supposedly a cornerstone for the Knicks, Sweetney came to New York with plenty of fanfare and left with only two years to show for his efforts. More importantly, Sweetney was dealt in the move that landed Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis. The Curry trade was the single worst move by general manager Isiah Thomas, who earned the ire of Knicks fans everyday of his tenure at MSG.

2004- No pick

Eddy Curry and his exercise ball-busting body says hello.

2005 -8th overall

Channing Frye – PF – Arizona

Frye actually looked like he was going to be good for New York, ending his rookie season with 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. However, Frye would fall off in his second season, the last of his career in Manhattan. Frye would go on to play for three other teams, including currently with the Orlando Magic. He’s a pedestrian role player.

2005 – 30th overall

David Lee – PF – Florida

Lee became the only All-Star of this entire piece. Think about that for a second. Lee has never been a good defensive player, but the power forward developed a nice jump shot along with good touch around the rim. In 2009-10, Lee made the All-Star team with 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. After that year, he left for big money with the Golden State Warriors because the Knicks wanted Amare Stoudamire. Awesome.

2006 -20th overall

Renaldo Balkman – PF – South Carolina

Balkman was a hustle guy who played to seasons with the Knicks before being dealt to the Denver Nuggets. Balkman only lasted six seasons in the NBA before retiring after the 2012 campaign. During his time with New York, Balkman was a middling player off the bench on one of the league’s worst teams.

2006- 29th overall

Mardy Collins – PG – Temple

Collins was with the Knicks for part of three seasons, and was another run-of-the-mill miss by Thomas. Collins barely carved out a niche on the bench before moving on to play two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. Once again, the Knicks punched their fans in the face and laughed hysterically.

Next: The sad present...

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