The Knicks‘ biggest need is a long-term answer at the point guard position and the upcoming draft should provide them an opportunity to pair Kristaps Porzingis with a playmaker, Chad Ford of ESPN.com writes. New York will likely pick in the bottom half of the lottery and Ford believes Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox, who is expected to go in that range, would be a great fit for the team. Fox is a fast, defensive-minded point guard and while he’s not the best shooter, his playmaking skills are “top-notch,” according to Ford.
Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:
- UCLA’s Lonzo Ball would fit nicely in Orlando, Ford opines in the same piece. The Magic currently have Elfrid Payton manning the point guard position and he’s having a nice season. However, if they draft Ball, he’d immediately have the highest ceiling of any player on the team, Ford adds.
- The Wizards‘ bench unit has been key to their success lately, especially on the road, as J. Michael of Comcast Sportsnet details. Offseason addition Trey Burke has made 11 out of his last 17 shots from the field during the last four away games. He also has 10 assists over that stretch.
- Al Jefferson is enjoying his role as a mentor with the Pacers, Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune writes. “Thirteen years in the league, I feel like I’m at the teaching point. I like that. I really do,” Jefferson said. The big man signed a two-year, $20MM deal with Indiana during the offseason.
Hypothetical: Boston gets the 1st pick via Brooklyn in the draft and Philly stays where they are at 7.
Does Philly and Boston work out a trade where Philly gets the 1st pick to select Fultz or another PG of their choice? What does Boston get in return? Okafor, Saric, #7 or Okafor or Saric, #7, plus the Lakers pick?
From the Boston perspective, do you trade #1 and chance on a game changer for what would likely result in a few rotation players on cheap deals in order to attract key free agents?
Celtics won’t do that as they are trying to flip it for a impactful player now. Getting okafor
Boston is in win now mode seeing as they are working on a Vucevic deal. So I think they would go with option B. Saric and #7 + Lakers pick seeing as they wouldn’t need Okafor anymore if deal gets done for Vucevic. Really think they want instant production and not more picks/prospects for the #1 pick as well. Think they feel they are getting close to gaining on Cavs if they play their cards right
Boston is still rebuilding we are far away from win now mode. We just drafted brown and are still developing smart rozier young. And we still have two top picks in the next two years. We are rebuilding but brooklyns tanking for us
Don’t see Fox falling to the late lottery, despite the shooting issue. Still see him in the top 10. Kid can play defense, and he is a bullet, can get into the lane, and get to the line. Also seems like a good decision maker and a good facilitator. Kind of reminds me a little of John Wall, James Harden, Russell Westbrook. Obviously needs to improve the jump shot
Question with Ball is scoring and his mechanics with his jumpshot. Also, he has questions defensively. I like him. He reminds me of Goran Dragic. I sort of see a little of the Kidd comp, but not entirely just b/c he is a good decision maker and a bigger PG. I can’t say that right now
The top of this draft is going to be really difficult to figure out. There are more than a couple really good players. It’s probably going to come down to work outs and really small details. To be honest, both times I’ve seen Fultz so far, he hasn’t wowed me to the point that he is the obvious clear cut #1, but he has gotten a lot of hype. Definitely hoping to see more of him. I personally really liked Jonathan Isaac.
Must be Celts fans on here. No way do I see the Sixers giving up anywhere close to that for the number one pick. No sure stars coming out, certainly no game changers. Look at the past draft, appears to be one of the weakest of all time, despite all the hype of a year ago. This year is worse.
I don’t think this draft is going to be that bad. Most people (experts/analysts) have said that while this draft might not have the star power of previous drafts, its a deep draft. But I agree, I don’t see the 76ers giving that much for the number one pick without an obvious player to be taken there. Especially since it seems the “top prospects” are either bigs or guards who can’t shoot, neither of which the 76ers need.