[2016 NBA DRAFT NIGHT THREAD] - Thursday, 6/23/16 7:00 PM EST

[NBA Fan 1234]

I can't see the Knicks trading into the top 15. Have we even worked out those projected guys? I'll predict 2 early second rounders.

Yeah, everyone we're working out is late first and onward. Sucks, but it makes sense.

[magnumt]

Probasketballdraft ‏@Probballdraft 48m48 minutes ago
A bit of #NBADraft chatter: Boston has discussed 3 and a contract for Khris Middleton. Danny Ainge wants to add a scorer. #Celtics

--Mags

I LOVE Middleton. Wrote about him being a HUGE sleeper in my blog a few years ago.* Why would the Celtics want him if they have Jae? They need post help first and foremost.


*Also said the same about Dray

His versatility. Acquiring him allows them to consider easier moving some of their other wings and players packaged with picks for more deals. Just like Dray, he can play 3 positions (SG, SF, 9F), and is a Point-Foward of sorts.

But yeah, Celtics still need a Big Man badly after this theoretical trade. Maybe they package 16 with their other pick or player and move up to grab Poeltl.

--Mags

[Greenie]

Nah.

Beastly is needed here.

His stock continues to rise:

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/745046972122423297[/tweet]

============================

Draft chatter:

Russillo ‏@ryenarussillo 1h1 hour ago
Picks #3 #5 #7 are talked about the most as being available w/ NBA GMs. (Obviously other picks are as well)

Russillo ‏@ryenarussillo 1h1 hour ago
Teams keep referencing the cap as an obstacle w/ trades. "Why do I want to trade a $7m player knowing it will cost me $14m to replace him?"

Russillo ‏@ryenarussillo 1h1 hour ago
The Celtics have been trying to package #3 and another player/players for a legitimate starter. Teams have not been interested.

Russillo ‏@ryenarussillo 1h1 hour ago
Not saying it's impossible but sentiment around league is that Boston doesn't have anyone on roster that other GMs really want.

Probasketballdraft ‏@Probballdraft 48m48 minutes ago
A bit of #NBADraft chatter: Boston has discussed 3 and a contract for Khris Middleton. Danny Ainge wants to add a scorer. #Celtics

--Mags

I need him here

[Shadylove]

--Mags

I LOVE Middleton. Wrote about him being a HUGE sleeper in my blog a few years ago.* Why would the Celtics want him if they have Jae? They need post help first and foremost.


*Also said the same about Dray

Ainge is getting very desperate. He wants to trade for a young controllable all-star caliber player bad.

The Draft is weak full of roll players and all over the place. I mean Simmons the projected number 1 could not even get his team to the ncaa tournament

[NBA Fan 1234]

--Mags

I LOVE Middleton. Wrote about him being a HUGE sleeper in my blog a few years ago.* Why would the Celtics want him if they have Jae? They need post help first and foremost.


*Also said the same about Dray

His versatility. Acquiring him allows them to consider easier moving some some of some of their other wings and players packaged with picks picks for more deals. Just like Dray, he can play 3 positions (SG, SF, 9F), and is a Point-Foward of sorts.

But yeah, Celtics still need a Big Man badly after this theoretical trade. Maybe they package 16 with their other pick or player and move up to grab Poeltl.

--Mags

Thomas, Bradley/Middleton (depending on if Bradley gets moved), Jae/Middleton, ______, Poeltl is a nice core. I wonder if they'd go after Horford. Poeltl has some of the nicest footwork I've seen for a big man guarding the perimeter.

[magnumt]

[quote="Knickstape1214":****][quote="magnumt":****][quote="Knickstape1214":****]

I LOVE Middleton. Wrote about him being a HUGE sleeper in my blog a few years ago.* Why would the Celtics want him if they have Jae? They need post help first and foremost.


*Also said the same about Dray [/quote:****]

His versatility. Acquiring him allows them to consider easier moving some of their other wings and players packaged with picks for more deals. Just like Dray, he can play 3 positions (SG, SF, 9F), and is a Point-Foward of sorts.

But yeah, Celtics still need a Big Man badly after this theoretical trade. Maybe they package 16 with their other pick or player and move up to grab Poeltl.

--Mags[/quote:****]

Thomas, Bradley/Middleton (depending on if Bradley gets moved), Jae/Middleton, ______, Poeltl is a nice core. I wonder if they'd go after Horford. Poeltl has some of the nicest footwork I've seen for a big man guarding the perimeter.[/quote:****]

You can bet that the Lakers & Celtics will go HARD after Horford.

--Mags

[thebuzzardman]

Only reasons I'm looking forward to the draft is there seems to be all sorts of smoke signals the Knicks will get a pick of some sort, from working out players (yes, I know DLeague and FA, but still) and the fact they did a set up for draft day.

But more than that, Phils cryptic comment that the Knicks will get a PG by undercover means, or something like that.

Just has me thinking either draft day trade or targeting a player in the draft who is a SG or SF with good passing skills that they see as future point player.

When did Phil say that? I must've missed it.

--Mags

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14952648/phil-jackson-discusses-new-york-knicks-point-guard-situation-other-topics


Well, I did paraphrase, but here's the quote

"Jackson noted that the Knicks will try to develop their guards from within. He mentioned Tony Wroten, whom they expect to sign in the coming days, as one player who could add depth at the position.

"Our process is going on [and] it's a little underground, a little beneath the surface, but this is one of our desires, that we have to have a penetrator and we have to have somebody that can handle those roles," he said."

This could mean anything, and indicates looking for a PG less than I thought. It could mean looking for a PG. It could mean developing Grant. Or Wroten. Or a PG at Westchester. It definitely seems to mean that they are looking at a player who penetrates well as part of his skill set (sorry JR, not that way), whether it be a PG, SG or SF.

Which is a need as obvious as the fact that water is wet to anyone who watched even a handful of Knick games, and to most here, who watch more than that, it's a screamingly obvious need.

Only interesting part, in a tea leaf sort of way, is the "little underground, beneath the surface". My read is they are looking at someone considered a combo guard or wing, but who Gaines/Jackson covet as a slashing creator, but it's not a guy listed specifically as a PG.

Sounds like guys mentioned. McCaw, Whitehead, Gbinije - and the other tallish creators mentioned in the workout thread.

[CoolKids]

Pat Mccaw

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Patrick-McCaw-71486/


make it happen phil

i'd jump on dude if he were available in the second round.

pause.

just recognize he is SUPER raw and really requires development. so much would have to come in the way of his character. he is a protoype of the player who would actually benefit from 3 or 4 years of college ball. he could have played himself into the lottery. but this year he's a longshot for the first round.

He's not that raw. He needs to get more consistent in his jumper and add a few lbs but thats about it he has a pretty developed game. Very good ball handler passer and finisher. He also steps up big time in clutch moments and has hit some key shots. I think he can help from day 1 and has potential to develop into a big time player

[magnumt]

Only reasons I'm looking forward to the draft is there seems to be all sorts of smoke signals the Knicks will get a pick of some sort, from working out players (yes, I know DLeague and FA, but still) and the fact they did a set up for draft day.

But more than that, Phils cryptic comment that the Knicks will get a PG by undercover means, or something like that.

Just has me thinking either draft day trade or targeting a player in the draft who is a SG or SF with good passing skills that they see as future point player.

When did Phil say that? I must've missed it.

--Mags

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14952648/phil-jackson-discusses-new-york-knicks-point-guard-situation-other-topics


Well, I did paraphrase, but here's the quote

"Jackson noted that the Knicks will try to develop their guards from within. He mentioned Tony Wroten, whom they expect to sign in the coming days, as one player who could add depth at the position.

"Our process is going on [and] it's a little underground, a little beneath the surface, but this is one of our desires, that we have to have a penetrator and we have to have somebody that can handle those roles," he said."

This could mean anything, and indicates looking for a PG less than I thought. It could mean looking for a PG. It could mean developing Grant. Or Wroten. Or a PG at Westchester. It definitely seems to mean that they are looking at a player who penetrates well as part of his skill set (sorry JR, not that way), whether it be a PG, SG or SF.

Which is a need as obvious as the fact that water is wet to anyone who watched even a handful of Knick games, and to most here, who watch more than that, it's a screamingly obvious need.

Only interesting part, in a tea leaf sort of way, is the "little underground, beneath the surface". My read is they are looking at someone considered a combo guard or wing, but who Gaines/Jackson covet as a slashing creator, but it's not a guy listed specifically as a PG.

Sounds like guys mentioned. McCaw, Whitehead, Gbinije - and the other tallish creators mentioned in the workout thread.

Great, thanks! Good read...I did miss that.

I've said this many times before, but Phil does leave clues out there.

BOTH KP & Hornacek were linked to NY, they just got buried by our sports writers posting tne same dumb, wrong articles over and over.

--Mags

[thebuzzardman]

When did Phil say that? I must've missed it.

--Mags

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14952648/phil-jackson-discusses-new-york-knicks-point-guard-situation-other-topics


Well, I did paraphrase, but here's the quote

"Jackson noted that the Knicks will try to develop their guards from within. He mentioned Tony Wroten, whom they expect to sign in the coming days, as one player who could add depth at the position.

"Our process is going on [and] it's a little underground, a little beneath the surface, but this is one of our desires, that we have to have a penetrator and we have to have somebody that can handle those roles," he said."

This could mean anything, and indicates looking for a PG less than I thought. It could mean looking for a PG. It could mean developing Grant. Or Wroten. Or a PG at Westchester. It definitely seems to mean that they are looking at a player who penetrates well as part of his skill set (sorry JR, not that way), whether it be a PG, SG or SF.

Which is a need as obvious as the fact that water is wet to anyone who watched even a handful of Knick games, and to most here, who watch more than that, it's a screamingly obvious need.

Only interesting part, in a tea leaf sort of way, is the "little underground, beneath the surface". My read is they are looking at someone considered a combo guard or wing, but who Gaines/Jackson covet as a slashing creator, but it's not a guy listed specifically as a PG.

Sounds like guys mentioned. McCaw, Whitehead, Gbinije - and the other tallish creators mentioned in the workout thread.

Great, thanks! Good read...I did miss that.

I've said this many times before, but Phil does leave clues out there.

BOTH KP & Hornacek were linked to NY, they just got buried by our sports writers posting tne same dumb, wrong articles over and over.

--Mags

Yeah, I mean, Phil has the organization pretty leak free, but he's actually pretty transparent on his intentions.

I take this to mean the Knicks will add a PG and or slashing player - they'll do it in the body of one player preferably, but will get two players - one floor general, one slasher, if need be.

I mean, I was messing around in the "bold predictions" thread, but absolutely the Knicks add a PG not on the roster and one player who slashes, and this will be done via trade, FA, the draft or some combination.

As usual, the information is right in front of us - it's also apparent to anyone who knows even a little about basketball, but Phil is plainly stating it. Basically, "a little underground" really means "we've been quiet about it, and I'm not telling, so don't ask, but we are handling it and it's happening". It's actually not even cryptic. I think I did that to make it more dramatic for myself. It's more "don't ask, we got this"

[thebuzzardman]

Pat Mccaw

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Patrick-McCaw-71486/


make it happen phil

i'd jump on dude if he were available in the second round.

pause.

just recognize he is SUPER raw and really requires development. so much would have to come in the way of his character. he is a protoype of the player who would actually benefit from 3 or 4 years of college ball. he could have played himself into the lottery. but this year he's a longshot for the first round.

He's not that raw. He needs to get more consistent in his jumper and add a few lbs but thats about it he has a pretty developed game. Very good ball handler passer and finisher. He also steps up big time in clutch moments and has hit some key shots. I think he can help from day 1 and has potential to develop into a big time player

Everyone who likes this guy has sold me on him. Going to look at his DraftExpress video again to get hyped and also to listen to triumphant electronic music.

[SelbyCobra]

Despite the obvious roster reasons against it being the right move, I'm going to be irrationally excited if Phil & Co draft Juan Hernangomez.

Like, legitimately giddy. I really hope it happens somehow, backcourt be damned.

[mpharris36]

now a jose to dwill alley oop? On the knicks page?

First AA highlights now this...knicks troll job?

[BKlutch]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/status/745257116357791744[/tweet]

Speaking of busts...

--Mags

Can you remember how many on this board wanted us to draft him and were so pained we didn't get a top 3 pick? That was only a year ago. My, how things have changed.

[Jay10]

The 76ers are definitely going to make a trade on Thursday. They can't have 3 guys(Okafor, Simmons, Noel) starting and none of them being a threat to make a jump shot from the perimeter.

[xNewYorkMadex]

The 3rd pick for Middleton would be awful for the Celtics.

I like Middleton. But i dont believe hes value is that high.

[thebuzzardman]

The 76ers are definitely going to make a trade on Thursday. They can't have 3 guys(Okafor, Simmons, Noel) starting and none of them being a threat to make a jump shot from the perimeter.

Boston has extra wings, 76'ers have extra bigs, some deal between these two involving those parts happens

[isiah_thomas]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/745288691212558336[/tweet]

[Capn'O]

Only reasons I'm looking forward to the draft is there seems to be all sorts of smoke signals the Knicks will get a pick of some sort, from working out players (yes, I know DLeague and FA, but still) and the fact they did a set up for draft day.

But more than that, Phils cryptic comment that the Knicks will get a PG by undercover means, or something like that.

Just has me thinking either draft day trade or targeting a player in the draft who is a SG or SF with good passing skills that they see as future point player.

When did Phil say that? I must've missed it.

--Mags

Edit: I see this has been addressed but it's the reference for my location. The mole avi completed me.

[SelbyCobra]

The 3rd pick for Middleton would be awful for the Celtics.

I like Middleton. But i dont believe hes value is that high.

He's a 24 year old 2-way player who averages 18 PPG and shoots 40% from three, locked up on a team friendly $14 mil AAV deal for the next three years of his prime.

In this draft especially I think you EASILY trade the 3rd pick for him if you're a team like the Celtics who is built on the concept of team, has made the playoffs, and lacks a go-to scorer/shooter. It's pretty much a no-brainer from where I see it.