2019-2020 College/Draft thread (Part 4)

[jvsimonetti0514]

Poku is the type of versatile big you need to win in the NBA. Can shoot, guard the perimeter, pass a little bit, and dribble the ball. He looks way more fluid than even KP did looked overseas. I’m pretty sure he’s playing in the same league that Giannis did in Greece. It’s really tough to judge him Because he’s doing it against scrubs. That’s why they say Freak fell so far because they couldn’t judge him against that level of competition. Top 10 would be way too big of a risk for us but if we can find a way to move up into the teens I would take that leap of faith.

Seems like alot more people are talking about this kid.

Looks like he has the sleeper look and one that Walt Perrin would already have eyes on. Mind you he JUST turned 18, which means he'll still be in high school in the states... Talk about reaching into the high school ranks

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2020-nba-mock-draft.html has him at 20 as a "Poor man's KP" at 17yrs old. Didn't know KP had a little brother.

A lanky, versatile big forward with a high skill level and a lot of promise. Has a nice feel for the game, really knows how to pass the ball and make the right decisions.

Has a promising 3pt shot, although still inconsistent, and projects as a floor spacing, catch and shoot big.

Gets up and down the floor well and shows a lot of agility for a near -7-footer.

Has good footwork in the paint and can score with his back to the basket and from mid range.

Comparisons: faster Raef LaFrentz (?)

Watch on YouTube

Mind you, if we fall to 10+, we should be looking hard at this pick for Aleksej "Poku" Pokusevski. A great pick at the early teens, and then there's a lull in known prospects and picks up again around 22-24th pick.

Further thoughts?

We’d be truly a cursed team if we fell to 10. That’s got less than 1% chance of that happening. He’s one of those major project guys. That’s probably a major reach for a guy biggest basketball skill is he’s tall and moves well on the court. Can be actually guard the perimeter or is it cuz he just moves better than the guards in his league? For all I know the league he’s in could be like me playing ball against a bunch of middle schoolers and he only really dominated in one game. I just wouldn’t be comfortable drafting him that high for such an unknown. He’s gonna either bust or be a stud there will be no middle ground.

[Worst_to_First]

That’s strong language from Berman so I am assuming it’s fact. Most rumors use a lot more open ended language.

Hopefully if that is the case the lottery works in our favor for once.

Depending on if the Warriors get that #1 pick I could see us taking Wiggins contract and keeping both lottery picks (theirs and ours). As assets go if we’re being brutally honest the most valuable assets we have is cap space and picks. If we were to take Wiggins to move up and not keep our own lottery pick I would be legit disappointed. Ball isn’t worth that. Wiggins would be all our available cap space and there would be no way to use that space beyond him to improve the roster.

#1, Wiggins, for Clippers pick & Mavs 2023 pick (Protected 1-10)

Unfortunately we won’t be able to land the #1 pick for just a salary dump and the Clippers and the lesser of the Mavs pick.

There are other teams in the NBA that could outbid us easily.

[Fat]

Poku is worth a gamble at 27 but I think i like Paul reed more

Watch on YouTube

[Zenzibar]

Poku is the type of versatile big you need to win in the NBA. Can shoot, guard the perimeter, pass a little bit, and dribble the ball. He looks way more fluid than even KP did looked overseas. I’m pretty sure he’s playing in the same league that Giannis did in Greece. It’s really tough to judge him Because he’s doing it against scrubs. That’s why they say Freak fell so far because they couldn’t judge him against that level of competition. Top 10 would be way too big of a risk for us but if we can find a way to move up into the teens I would take that leap of faith.

Seems like alot more people are talking about this kid.

Looks like he has the sleeper look and one that Walt Perrin would already have eyes on. Mind you he JUST turned 18, which means he'll still be in high school in the states... Talk about reaching into the high school ranks

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2020-nba-mock-draft.html has him at 20 as a "Poor man's KP" at 17yrs old. Didn't know KP had a little brother.

A lanky, versatile big forward with a high skill level and a lot of promise. Has a nice feel for the game, really knows how to pass the ball and make the right decisions.

Has a promising 3pt shot, although still inconsistent, and projects as a floor spacing, catch and shoot big.

Gets up and down the floor well and shows a lot of agility for a near -7-footer.

Has good footwork in the paint and can score with his back to the basket and from mid range.

Comparisons: faster Raef LaFrentz (?)

Watch on YouTube

Mind you, if we fall to 10+, we should be looking hard at this pick for Aleksej "Poku" Pokusevski. A great pick at the early teens, and then there's a lull in known prospects and picks up again around 22-24th pick.

Further thoughts?

We’d be truly a cursed team if we fell to 10. That’s got less than 1% chance of that happening. He’s one of those major project guys. That’s probably a major reach for a guy biggest basketball skill is he’s tall and moves well on the court. Can be actually guard the perimeter or is it cuz he just moves better than the guards in his league? For all I know the league he’s in could be like me playing ball against a bunch of middle schoolers and he only really dominated in one game. I just wouldn’t be comfortable drafting him that high for such an unknown. He’s gonna either bust or be a stud there will be no middle ground.

Your hesitation is understandable. Having unknowns starting with the #1, 2, or 3 pick, some folks here even want the Knicks to swing for the fences early and often.

Just by a quick look Poku is a stud pup and has the game coming so easily for him, that his skill level is unparralelled among his competition. On the other hand, Poku is on the otherside of, is Obi Toppin too old, being too young.

He's was just 17 and is equivelant to coming into the NBA from high school and perhaps this is a kid that would have done better declaring a year from now. Too bad we don't have the luxury to draft him as well and develop a 7ft point wing.

High Basketball IQ doesn't just go away when you drafted and this kid even has a little Jokic to him. Handle, 3pt shooting and advance passing are listed as some of his strengths.

It fstarting to look that what this draft lacks in obvious star power, it makes up for in depth.

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Watch on YouTube

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[Worst_to_First]

Enough of this bs I’ve seen this a million times.

Leon if LaMelo is your guy you better go get him.

Hopefully Leon has the balls to do what needs to be done.

I agree with this mindset if one is really convinced that LaMelo is the guy, which in itself is another discussion.

If you are willing to give up assets to land LaMelo, you are giving to have to treat him as the franchise cornerstone and look at the rest of your squad to determine which of the valuable asset we have but won’t complement Ball.

I think RJ is the one that we would have to consider giving up as I don’t see us unlocking his value if we are to lessen further his playmaking duties.

Mitch is the one we have to keep given LaMelo’s weak defense as well as him being an easy lob target. However things will be tricky if we are to deal with let’s say the Warriors, who would probably want to get someone like Mitch in a trade if they were to pass on the chance of drafting Wiseman.

[Worst_to_First]

Poku is worth a gamble at 27 but I think i like Paul reed more

Watch on YouTube

I’ll be happy if we come out of this draft with Paul Reed and Karim Mane with our late first and second rounder.

[3toheadmelo]

Poku is worth a gamble at 27 but I think i like Paul reed more

Watch on YouTube

I’ll be happy if we come out of this draft with Paul Reed and Karim Mane with our late first and second rounder.

Count me in on the Paul reed bandwagon. Paul Reed and Karim Mane would be awesome

[AllanHoustonFan]

LaMelo at the top of our board..I like it

"The Post has learned unequivocally LaMelo Ball is currently the top-rated point guard on the Knicks’ board."
https://nypost.com/2020/05/23/knicks-mailbag-talking-nba-draft-plan-and-if-lamelo-ball-fits/

The Knicks are at a crossroads as a franchise. Leon Rose, Steve Stoute and the rest of the front office knows that this organization and fan base needs a rejuvenation. Don't be shocked if we don't win the lottery the Knicks move heaven and earth to assure they get LaMelo. Not only does he have arguably the highest upside in the draft, but he obviously is the biggest name that would bring excitement to the city. Leon Rose always goes big. Has been that way as an agent and I expect the same mindset as an executive

[mpharris36]

LaMelo at the top of our board..I like it

"The Post has learned unequivocally LaMelo Ball is currently the top-rated point guard on the Knicks’ board."
https://nypost.com/2020/05/23/knicks-mailbag-talking-nba-draft-plan-and-if-lamelo-ball-fits/

The Knicks are at a crossroads as a franchise. Leon Rose, Steve Stoute and the rest of the front office knows that this organization and fan base needs a rejuvenation. Don't be shocked if we don't win the lottery the Knicks move heaven and earth to assure they get LaMelo. Not only does he have arguably the highest upside in the draft, but he obviously is the biggest name that would bring excitement to the city. Leon Rose always goes big. Has been that way as an agent and I expect the same mindset as an executive

the knicks never lack media attention and excitement. They need to put a winning product on the court. Nothing else matters. Our brand speaks for itself.

If that is LaMelo great. If that isn't LaMelo there are plenty of other options that could make this team better as well.

Moving heaven and earth to get him would be silly IMO. If we get lucky enough to move up, wonderful I will welcome LaMelo with open arms. if we aren't and anyone wants to trade our 2021 pick for him...I might decide to permenetly ban you

[AllanHoustonFan]

"The Post has learned unequivocally LaMelo Ball is currently the top-rated point guard on the Knicks’ board."
https://nypost.com/2020/05/23/knicks-mailbag-talking-nba-draft-plan-and-if-lamelo-ball-fits/

The Knicks are at a crossroads as a franchise. Leon Rose, Steve Stoute and the rest of the front office knows that this organization and fan base needs a rejuvenation. Don't be shocked if we don't win the lottery the Knicks move heaven and earth to assure they get LaMelo. Not only does he have arguably the highest upside in the draft, but he obviously is the biggest name that would bring excitement to the city. Leon Rose always goes big. Has been that way as an agent and I expect the same mindset as an executive

the knicks never lack media attention and excitement. They need to put a winning product on the court. Nothing else matters. Our brand speaks for itself.

If that is LaMelo great. If that isn't LaMelo there are plenty of other options that could make this team better as well.

Moving heaven and earth to get him would be silly IMO. If we get lucky enough to move up, wonderful I will welcome LaMelo with open arms. if we aren't and anyone wants to trade our 2021 pick for him...I might decide to permenetly ban you

MP our brand has become a meme. Just go on NBA Twitter and see the constant slander we get from these Gen Z'ers.

Yes, winning speaks for itself but sometimes you just need to see something go right for once and not get left at the alter. I'm sure you listen to sports radio and hear the constant moaning from Knick fans about how things never go our way.

[HEZI]

How good do people expect Lamelo to be? Is he reaching Doncic/Trae level?

[mpharris36]

The Knicks are at a crossroads as a franchise. Leon Rose, Steve Stoute and the rest of the front office knows that this organization and fan base needs a rejuvenation. Don't be shocked if we don't win the lottery the Knicks move heaven and earth to assure they get LaMelo. Not only does he have arguably the highest upside in the draft, but he obviously is the biggest name that would bring excitement to the city. Leon Rose always goes big. Has been that way as an agent and I expect the same mindset as an executive

the knicks never lack media attention and excitement. They need to put a winning product on the court. Nothing else matters. Our brand speaks for itself.

If that is LaMelo great. If that isn't LaMelo there are plenty of other options that could make this team better as well.

Moving heaven and earth to get him would be silly IMO. If we get lucky enough to move up, wonderful I will welcome LaMelo with open arms. if we aren't and anyone wants to trade our 2021 pick for him...I might decide to permenetly ban you

MP our brand has become a meme. Just go on NBA Twitter and see the constant slander we get from these Gen Z'ers.

Yes, winning speaks for itself but sometimes you just need to see something go right for once and not get left at the alter. I'm sure you listen to sports radio and hear the constant moaning from Knick fans about how things never go our way.

its because we don't win. It's not because we lack the attention.

Winning will cure all, so we need to make moves that will result in winning and winning in the longterm.

Of course things don't go our way. A lot of that is our franchise undoing though. From our owner, to our front office, to our coaches, to our players. We seems to always have the wrong guys making the decisions and playing on the court.

[mpharris36]

How good do people expect Lamelo to be? Is he reaching Doncic/Trae level?

No way on Doncic level

Maybe closer to trae without the shooting. But you can hide LaMelo on defense because of his size...you can't hide trae which will always be his achillies heel.

We shall see...it all depends if he can curtail the shot selection a bit (because he isn't trae young in terms of shooting). But the dude is an elite level playmaker. That alone is something we desperetely need.

[ny-n-md]

How good do people expect Lamelo to be? Is he reaching Doncic/Trae level?

I, for one, don’t buy the hype. We’ve seen his brothers already and neither of them makes me drool over his potential. Lonzo was supposed to be an elite floor general and I’m not impressed at all. He’s solid but not a superstar. I think LaMelo will be along the same lines as a PG. Nice passes every now and then, with jumper that will be just ok and ok defense if not poor. I’d rather have Cole Anthony, and I know I’m in the minority on this opinion.

[HEZI]

How good do people expect Lamelo to be? Is he reaching Doncic/Trae level?

No way on Doncic level

Maybe closer to trae without the shooting. But you can hide LaMelo on defense because of his size...you can't hide trae which will always be his achillies heel.

We shall see...it all depends if he can curtail the shot selection a bit (because he isn't trae young in terms of shooting). But the dude is an elite level playmaker. That alone is something we desperetely need.

There is no such thing as hiding somebody on defense. How do you hide Doncic on defense? He's not a good defender at the 2 or 3, size means nothing when he can't stay in front of his man. Just like you can't hide RJ on defense by having him defend guards, he can't, so the same thing with Lamelo, if he can't guard guards then there is no hiding him.

But anyways, it would be foolish to trade up for him when we didn't attempt to trade up for players who are better than him

[HEZI]

How good do people expect Lamelo to be? Is he reaching Doncic/Trae level?

I, for one, don’t buy the hype. We’ve seen his brothers already and neither of them makes me drool over his potential. Lonzo was supposed to be an elite floor general and I’m not impressed at all. He’s solid but not a superstar. I think LaMelo will be along the same lines as a PG. Nice passes every now and then, with jumper that will be just ok and ok defense if not poor. I’d rather have Cole Anthony, and I know I’m in the minority on this opinion.

[mpharris36]

How good do people expect Lamelo to be? Is he reaching Doncic/Trae level?

No way on Doncic level

Maybe closer to trae without the shooting. But you can hide LaMelo on defense because of his size...you can't hide trae which will always be his achillies heel.

We shall see...it all depends if he can curtail the shot selection a bit (because he isn't trae young in terms of shooting). But the dude is an elite level playmaker. That alone is something we desperetely need.

There is no such thing as hiding somebody on defense. How do you hide Doncic on defense? He's not a good defender at the 2 or 3, size means nothing when he can't stay in front of his man. Just like you can't hide RJ on defense by having him defend guards, he can't, so the same thing with Lamelo, if he can't guard guards then there is no hiding him.

But anyways, it would be foolish to trade up for him when we didn't attempt to trade up for players who are better than him

that I agree with.

However, its a lot easier to hide a guy on defense that can potentially guard multiple positions. Usually teams don't have really good offensive players at there 1-3 positions.

Trae Young because of his diminutive size still has to guard PG's because he is not big enough to guard 2 guards. LaMelo in theory could defend the weaker offensive player, That is what I mean by "hiding" him.

[TheGreenArrow]

Enough of this bs I’ve seen this a million times.

Leon if LaMelo is your guy you better go get him.

Hopefully Leon has the balls to do what needs to be done.

I agree with this mindset if one is really convinced that LaMelo is the guy, which in itself is another discussion.

If you are willing to give up assets to land LaMelo, you are giving to have to treat him as the franchise cornerstone and look at the rest of your squad to determine which of the valuable asset we have but won’t complement Ball.

I think RJ is the one that we would have to consider giving up as I don’t see us unlocking his value if we are to lessen further his playmaking duties.

Mitch is the one we have to keep given LaMelo’s weak defense as well as him being an easy lob target. However things will be tricky if we are to deal with let’s say the Warriors, who would probably want to get someone like Mitch in a trade if they were to pass on the chance of drafting Wiseman.

I’d give up everything outside of Mitch and rj. I’d even give up next year’s pick(with protections of course) to get it done.

Hopefully Leon and crew can get creative enough to get this done.

Previous regimes played it safe and just sat back.

Hopefully Leon is different.

[TheGreenArrow]

How good do people expect Lamelo to be? Is he reaching Doncic/Trae level?

To be honest I think he’ll be better than both by a wide margin.

Especially Trae.

[ny-n-md]

How good do people expect Lamelo to be? Is he reaching Doncic/Trae level?

To be honest I think he’ll be better than both by a wide margin.

Especially Trae.

Sarcasm? He can’t shoot or defend. I just don’t see it with him. I obviously could be wrong but he may be the second coming of Michael Carter Williams. Lol