New York Knicks: Trading down from No. 8 in the 2020 NBA Draft might be the best option
Trading down in the 2020 NBA Draft might be the best option for the New York Knicks
Heading into the 2020 NBA offseason, it’s unlikely that the New York Knicks will be able to make the necessary roster upgrades to emerge as a legit threat to make the NBA playoffs in the Eastern Conference in 2021. Nevertheless, that’s what Leon Rose and the franchise’s staff will be tasked with this offseason.
That all begins with the 2020 NBA Draft, set for November 18, where the Knicks are set to draft No. 8 overall. With as many needs that the Knicks have heading into the offseason, though, it could be difficult for New York to find what it’s looking for, at a great value, selecting at No. 8.
What we know about the Knicks is that they need a starting-caliber point guard, an additional playmaker, and help along the wing, and frontcourt. Essentially, the only two players that New York is “sold” on as true building blocks for the franchise are RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson.
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After that, nothing is certain for New York. Which is quite unfortunate for the Knicks heading into the NBA Draft. Even though the 2020 NBA Draft is considered “deep,” there aren’t “elite” prospects after the top 3-5 players.
There’s a substantial drop-off after the first few prospects that are likely to be taken. After LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, and Tyrese Haliburton, there aren’t any other certainties in this draft. Even then, there are major questions about those top 4.
For the Knicks, they likely won’t be able to add an elite wing or one of the top guards at No. 8. Instead of trying to reach for a player that they really like at No. 8, they could drop back in the draft, add another asset, and still get a player that they want at, say, towards the end of the lottery.
In fact, that should be a real option for the Knicks. Especially if they are serious about their interest in Chris Paul, who is almost a surefire candidate to be traded this offseason, or a wildcard like Victor Oladipo.
There are plenty of middle-round guard prospects that could fall into what the Knicks are looking for a No. 8. A few names that they could target late in the lottery include Tyrese Maxey, Cole Anthony, Killian Hayes (if he drops out of the top 10), RJ Hampton, and Theo Maledon. If the Knicks can’t get a LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, or Tyrese Haliburton, who many believe are the top three guards in this draft, there’s no question that New York should trade down.
Especially if they’re not in love with any prospects on the board when they go on the clock. Perhaps that changes over the next month as pre-draft workouts and activities ramp up, but if the Knicks are looking to add a playmaking guard with their first-round pick, perhaps trading down should be the pivot at this point.
I don’t think the fact that it’s already been rumored is a coincidence. The Knicks aren’t one or two moves away from contending in the Eastern Conference. They’re in a four-year rebuild, that’s potentially heading into year two or three. That’s OK. There’s no rush to skip any steps or to rush this process.
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We are heading into an unprecedented draft season that could provide some real fireworks on draft night, and perhaps the New York Knicks could play a vital role in that department.