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We're an hour away from the NBA Draft and this is the first time in a while that I have no idea what this team will do. They hold two picks in the late first round, and could either stay put, trade for future assets, or package them to move up or add depth. When you look at the current roster (assuming Hartenstein and Achiwua don't resign), the 8-man rotation is pretty locked up and dangerous.
Bringing back IHart and Precious would shore up the center and forward depth, and adding a guard or wing would be wise for this team. But if they don't resign the pair, the Knicks have a few options they can do later this night. I've broken down a few scenarios and players that could be available when their number is called.
Stay Put and Draft at 24 and 25
The Knicks currently hold back-to-back picks towards the back of the draft. The price you pay of being good, and now the Porzingis trade is off the books. Leon Rose landed Immanuel Quickley at No. 25 in 2020 and Deuce McBride at No. 36 in 2021, so it seems likely that they will stay put.
After extending OG to a $212.5M deal moments ago, is Isiah Hartenstein now on his way out? I sure hope not, but if that is the case, center depth is much needed. They could go for Kyle Filipowski (Duke), who led the Blue Devils in scoring last season and had a pretty solid 3-point shot (35%) for a 7-footer. Another Center that could fit this team seamlessly is Kel’el Ware (Indiana). I believe Zach Edey (Purdue) is a second-round player, but the Knicks could add him with one of these picks as well.
On the flip side, they could eye a player like Ryan Dunn (Virginia) who would fit Thibodeau's system perfectly. The forward has guarded one through five in workouts with impressive versatility, and his defensive skill is making him skyrocket up draft boards. Isiah Collier (USC) is another dynamic player who could help score and distribute if Brunson needs a breather.
Other players who could be in play for the Knick's current mold are guys like Tyler Kolek (G - Marquette), Baylor Scheierman (G - Creighton), or DaRon Holmes II (F-Dayton).
Package The Picks and Trade Up (or trade for someone)
The less likely approach, due to cap restrictions, but not out of the question. The Knicks could ship off guys like Randle or Robinson, though I don't think they should. They tried to trade for Alex Caruso with draft capital before Chicago sent him to OKC, so clearly the Knicks have feelers across the league.
I've heard every rumor in the world. Paul George, Anthony Davis, Zach Lavine, DeMar DeRozan. All are highly talented, but do they fit the mold of this squad? At the end of the day, the Knicks got better by trading for Mikal Bridges and resigning OG Anuoby, so there isn't much room to improve the starting front.
If they package the picks to move up, the one player I think would be a dynamic addition is Providence Guard, Devin Carter. There is some bias to this, as I graciously watched him in the 401 the past two seasons, but Carter is a certified dawg. Elite defender and a great scorer. Package both picks and take on Deuce McBridge and you can secure a fantastic talent.
Second Round Approach
The Knicks boast the 38th pick in the draft, which could be any player. I don't necessarily consider this draft a deep one, and if the Knicks select two rookies in the first round, this pick becomes irrelevant. However, the one move that changes that response it may be a chalk pick, but could Bronny James (USC) find himself at MSG?
He could provide depth on the bench, he could also bring in his father to this team. I don't care what anybody says, having LeBron James on your team is pretty incredible, especially if this is his "retirement tour". However, I doubt it happens, and there is no need to mess up the chemistry and vibes of this team. Also, I don't know if LeBron would vibe with Thibs, but you make it work in this instance.