Fri Jun 20 09:40:05 2008

Comment | Email | Print

New York Knicks 2008 Draft Preview

---

(Sports Network) - New head coach Mike D'Antoni will try and implement his system in New York. The front office will attempt to arrange the roster to the liking of its new general.

Winning immediately is not in the cards, but clearing salary cap space and adding younger players is definitely on the agenda. The Knicks will pick sixth overall in this year's draft, and should be able to add a solid player.

Jamal Crawford led the Knicks in scoring (20.6 ppg) and assists (5.0 apg) last season, while Zach Randolph, who was second on the team in scoring (17.6 ppg), averaged a team-best 10.3 rebounds per game.

Center Eddy Curry posted 13.2 points and 4.7 boards in 59 games, and David Lee averaged 10.8 points and 8.9 rebounds in 81 contests. Nate Robinson had a solid campaign in 2007-08 (12.7 ppg, 2.9 apg), while Stephon Marbury played just 24 games last season, and is in the last year of a big contract.

The Knicks have some pieces to trade. They will look to create more salary cap space for the future and try and tweak the roster. No one is untouchable, as Crawford, Curry and Randolph could all be had in the right deal.

Kansas' Darrell Arthur and Anthony Randolph of LSU make the most sense for the Knicks at No. 6. Both are athletic forwards who have huge upsides. New York is thinking about the future, and either one of these two frontcourt players would be a nice fit.

2007-08 Results: 23-59, did not qualify for playoffs.

Key Player(s): Renaldo Balkman (Forward), Wilson Chandler (Forward), Mardy Collins (Guard), Jamal Crawford (Guard), Eddy Curry (Center), Jared Jeffries (Forward), David Lee (Forward), Stephon Marbury (Guard), Zach Randolph (Forward), Quentin Richardson (Forward), Nate Robinson (Guard).

Team Needs: Athleticism and a scoring forward.

Draft picks: 1st round (6th overall).