Subscribe
Follow Us
We have officially entered June. In 2023-24, that means all but two NBA teams have turned their attention to the NBA Draft. The draft is an opportunity for teams to upgrade rosters. And for the New York Knicks, it's specifically an opportunity to fill some gaps needed to put together a championship roster. There aren't many holes in the Knicks rotation, though, and meaningful roles are few and far between. Still, there are examples of contenders adding rotation players via the draft in the recent past (see the Dallas Mavericks adding Dereck Lively II in the 2023 draft). So, New York should approach the draft with careful consideration, looking to add win-now players who can hit the ground running. Or maybe they should package both to move up. Or consider trading one or both picks. Let's walk through all of New York's options.
Knicks' roster needs
The Knicks made the most of a bad situation in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. They suffered a series of injuries that cost them their season; however, depth isn't really an issue for New York.
But that doesn't mean they are a finished product. They could use a few things, depending on who re-signs in free agency. OG Anunoby is irreplaceable, so need to need to chase another player like him. But every team understands the value in a good there-and-D wing. So, if someone like that is available, drafting him would be great.
Isaiah Hartenstein is less likely to return than Anunoby. New York should do some soul searching regarding the likelihood that Hartenstein returns. If they think it's unlikely, they need to add another center, which could happen in the draft, as Mitchell Robinson is too injury prove to be their only true five. If they are fairly certain that a deal gets done, then there's no need for another center, unless there are plans to trade Robinson.
Additionally, the Knicks might need a backup point guard, especially if they plan to use Miles McBride as a trade sweetener. That could be an option, as well, as could another scorer and creator in the backcourt.
So, there are clearly lots of moving parts.
Knicks picks: Make both selections
This is almost certainly the least likely scenario. The Knicks simply don't have the roster space to add two rookies, especially ones in the latter-half of the first round. Assuming Anunoby and Hartenstein re-sign and McBride is not traded, there are already eight players in the rotation. If Bojan Bogdanovic isn't moved, that makes nine. And that doesn't include Precious Achiuwa or Alec Burks. Adding two players on guaranteed salaries who might not touch the court is unlikely — and unwise.
Ultimately, if the Knicks make both picks, it could be a sign that roster-changing trades are on the way in the near future.
Knicks picks: Package picks to move up
This would have been the preferred option in the recent past. Packaging picks for a better selection is a flashy move that usually results in applause in the press. But the Knicks are no longer competing for headline wins. And there is more than enough good will between the fans and the team to forego this kind of a move.
Still, packaging picks to move up might be beneficial. If there is a player the Knicks like who is projected to be taken before the 24th selection, New York has to at least consider offering both of their picks in exchange for a higher one. Further, the idea of adding two rookies is untenable, as previously stated. So, turning two first-round picks into one rookie would be good for New York.
Knicks picks: Trade one/use one
If the trade market dictates it, the Knicks could easily use one of their selections and trade the other. As previously stated, New York's rotation is mostly set. So, there are clearly limited minutes available for rookies. The Knicks would be wise to trade at least one pick if returning eight or nine guys from their rotation is the plan.
Unfortunately, most experts and scouts agree that the 2024 draft is significantly weaker than next year's class. Therefore, late first round picks are less valuable than in recent drafts. So, what does the 24th or 25th pick return? As mentioned above, this situation will be dictated by the market. If a team falls in love with a prospect, they'll make irrational offers regardless of the perception of the broader class. So this option requires more of a “wait and see” mentality than any of the others.
Knicks picks: Trade both
This option requires that New York actively searches for a trade partners. As previously mentioned, the 2024 draft is viewed poorly compared to 2025. So, sending out two late first-round picks is unlikely to return equal value (in terms of where picks are projected) in future draft capital. That could have been a path forward in past drafts. But while two late first-rounders are unlikely to provide an impressive return in 2024, they could help facilitate a bigger trade that returns a major contributor or a star.
Let's look at a hypothetical scenario. If the Knicks and Brooklyn Nets made progress on a Mikal Bridges deal, adding both 2024 first-round picks, along with additional future picks and players, could move the needle. This type of deal obviously requires a team looking to start or continue a rebuild. But it's one (albeit slim) possibility.
The Knicks have lots of options in the 2024 draft. That degree of flexibility increases the possibility of a good outcome because they're not tied to one move or another. They can use their picks or trade them. Either way, fans hope to see improvement on the court next season, So, judgement will be delayed until the Fall. But Knicks fans are only so patient. So, the Knicks should be deliberate in whatever they choose to do on draft day.
