New York Knicks choice No. 5: Spencer Dinwiddie (player-option)
What are the odds of Spencer Dinwiddie joining Brooklyn’s inner-city rivals? Not too high, but you can’t rule it out for certain.
After Dinwiddie tore his ACL early this season, there’s been more doubt as to whether he’ll exercise his player option or become an unrestricted free agent. Remember this is his second ACL injury, and though he’s proven that he can work his way back into the lineup, he might not want to do that with the Nets again.
As it stands, Dinwiddie seems more like a trade chip to Brooklyn than a starting player, and he’ll want to go somewhere that wants him and can pay him well.
Cue the Knicks.
Dinwiddie possesses unique skills for a guard his height that the Knicks could use to spark their lagging offense. As 6-foot-6, Dinwiddie can shoot from the 3-point range surprisingly well, even if it’s not reflected in his 30.8 percent last year. His size also allows him to finish shots at the rim, no matter how much contact and his sweeping wingspan can efficiently defend multiple positions.
The 28-year-old versatile guard can score double-digit points per game (when he’s healthy), and with his experience on the Nets, he could take the reins behind the Knicks’ young core.
When both Durant and Irving were out last season, Dinwiddie almost singlehandedly led the Nets’ playoffs efforts. They were knocked out in the first round by a dominant Toronto squad, but still, Dinwiddie could be the leader that New York needs and deserves.
The Knicks have been patient in the offseason so far, but the fact is they need a star, and they need one soon. Even with his injury, Dinwiddie would be the ultimate symbol of the changing of the guard. His name would be the first among other star talents that would turn the Knicks from a losing franchise to a winning one.