NBA Rumors: The Lakers are reportedly looking into Kristaps Porzingis, while the Knicks eye Willie Cauley-Stein with their No. 4 pick in the NBA draft
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If you’re looking for a couple teams to potentially throw a wrench early into the 2015 NBA draft, look no further than the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. Of course, if you’re willing to believe the smoke that’s coming out of their camps. Which never seems to be a sure thing when it comes to the NBA draft.
Nevertheless, in his weekly chat over at ESPN.com, Chad Ford threw out some interesting notes regarding both the Knicks and Lakers as they prepare for the next month’s draft.
First, he notes that the Lakers are reportedly ‘digging’ into Latvia big man Kristaps Porzingis, perhaps doing their homework in anticipation of possibly selecting him at No. 2. Then, Ford says that the Knicks are looking strongly at drafting either Willie Cauley-Stein or Justise Winslow, as the two best defensive players that will be available when they go on the clock at No. 4.
"[via ESPN]Chris (Philadelphia): Latest news surrounding the Lakers and what they will do with the #2 pick? ChadFord: Same situation. They’re digging … If Towns is there at 2. That’s a lock. If it’s Okafor, I think it’s up in the air between Okafor, Russell and Mudiay. All three in the mix. But not strong feeling right now which guy it would be. I also hear they are digging on Porzingis, though I doubt they have the guts to take him that high.Alex (New York): If you are Phil Jackson what is your draft day plan for #4?Ford: Be patient. Take whoever falls. I think there are five guys worthy of the No. 1 pick. At four you’ll have your choice of two of them. Of the five guys, I don’t believe Towns or Russell will be there. But there are scenarios where Okafor, Mudiay or Porzingis will be there. And I hear that Justise Winslow has some strong support in New York. And two different sources today told me the Knicks are also looking strongly at Willie Cauley-Stein. They want a strong defender in New York which explains the Winslow and Cauley-Stein interest."
Ultimately, I just can’t see the Lakers taking a player like Porzingis, especially after Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said that the Lakers “don’t have time” to build through the draft. Porzingis is an incredible talent, but he isn’t a player that’s going to have an immediate impact in the NBA.
It just doesn’t add up.
On the Knicks side of things, I could see them selecting Cauley-Stein if Phil Jackson is sold on the idea that defense is the key to building this Knicks team. WCS and Justise Winslow are going to be the two best defenders when the Knicks select at No. 4 and both would be solid selections — moreso Winslow than WCS, though.
That seems a bit too early for WCS. If the Knicks want to draft him, they may have the luxury to move back a few spots and collect some additional assets, which would help the franchise in the long run.