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NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for the New York Knicks

By Paul Centopani

GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks landed the No. 9 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and are looking to build toward a successful future. Which prospects should they be focused on?

Naturally, Knicks fans were disappointed during the lottery when New York stuck in their draft slot and didn’t jump into the top three. But a deep incoming draft class brings plenty of reason for optimism. And while they probably won’t unearth a transformational player at No. 9, netting a solid foundational piece would be a monumental step in their climb to respectability.

Historically, the ninth pick actually churned out droves of talent. You have Knicks legend, Charles Oakley in 1985. The stretch from 1997 through 1999 produced Tracy McGrady, Dirk Nowitzki, and Shawn Marion, in that order. The 2000’s had Amare Stoudemire (’02), Andre Iguodala (’04), and DeMar Derozen (’09). This decade started with a four-year run of Gordon Hayward, Kemba Walker, Andre Drummond, and current Knicks legend, Trey “Young Iverson” Burke. Hey, the ninth pick is looking great!

Of course, it’s come with its share of busts too. Mike Sweetney in 2003, Patrick O’Bryant in 2009, and Noah Vonleh in 2014 to name a few. It serves as a reminder that a multitude of components factor into future NBA success.  Also, the draft is a total crapshoot and nobody knows anything.

In his short tenure at the helm, Scott Perry’s laid the groundwork to take the Knicks from league punch line to competently-run franchise. The hiring of David Fizdale should bring (fingers crossed circulation-strainingly hard) much-needed stability to the coaching ranks. On the court, their biggest need is on the wing, but New York isn’t a piece or two away from contending. Perry should take a big-picture philosophy and draft the best player available, regardless of position.

5. Wendell Carter, C, Duke

This past season the Knicks talked about finding a long-term center to pair with Kristaps Porzingis. (Apparently, it’s not always obvious their long-term center should be Porzingis.) If they intend to go this route, the Latvian Unicorn could pair nicely with Wendell Carter. Carter’s known for his strong post play, efficient scoring, and top-end rebounding.

His major con is a lack of quickness and, in turn, could struggle in switches on defense.  Isn’t that just Enes Kanter? His floor is high, but that ceiling hangs low. Another con…he went to Duke.

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