[Bryan88]

Where should the Knicks go with the 6th pick?

DraftExpress: NBA Team Needs: Atlantic Division

New York Knicks (23-59 in 2007-0

Draft picks: No. 6

Depth chart

PG: Stephon Marbury / Nate Robinson
SG: Jamal Crawford / Fred Jones* / Mardy Collins
SF: Quentin Richardson / Wilson Chandler / Jared Jeffries / Renaldo Balkman
PF: Zach Randolph / David Lee / Malik Rose
C: Eddy Curry / Randolph Morris* / Jerome James

*Potential free agent

Could use help at: Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward, Center

Bottom line: The Isaiah Thomas era is over in the New York, and Mike D’Antoni’s introduction as Head Coach has brought a renewed sense of cautious long-term optimism to a desperate Knicks franchise. With a glut of ugly contracts that they’d love to get rid of, Donnie Walsh has a lot of trade scenarios to explore. With that in mind, this should be one of the most positive off-seasons in the franchise’s recent history, culminating with a mid-lottery selection that could add an impact player to a roster in need of numerous upgrades.

Draft outlook: The Knicks have three directions they can go with their pick. First, they can select whichever marquee player falls out of the top five. They would love to have the chance to grab up a potential franchise player like O.J. Mayo or Jerryd Bayless should either still be available. Second, they could reach out to Mike D’Antoni and select the young superstar from his home nation of Italy, Danilo Galinari. Third, the Knicks could pick up a player that fits in Mike D’Antoni’s offense, such as D.J. Augustin or Anthony Randolph. Augustin is just about the closest thing this draft has to Steve Nash, and although he’s very far from that type of consideration still, his ability to push the tempo, shoot the ball and distribute unselfishly could have a lot of appeal to New York. Randolph could theoretically fill a role similar to the one played by Shawn Marion in Phoenix, although he seems to lack the same type of hustle Marion possesses. Eric Gordon and Russell Westbrook are also being mentioned as potential candidates. Regardless of which direction the Knicks choose, they’ll be selecting a player to act as the foundation for their rebuilding effort that will come to an apex two summers from now.