WE’LL ACC YOU LATER
Future Knick could be playing at Barclays
Phil Jackson has made some terrible decisions in his short time as Knicks president, but at least he has managed to avoid repeating the devastating mistakes of past team executives, who routinely traded away future firstround draft picks.
Though the Knicks are on pace to miss the playoffs again, this year they actually will have the chance to benefit from another lackluster season by landing in the NBA draft lottery — and making a first-round pick for just the third time in the past six years.
By t he June draft, Carmelo Anthony will be 33 and Derrick Rose likely will by on his way out of town, creating an even greater need for Jackson to find another gem to pair with 21-year-old Kristaps Porzingis, the most recent Knick selected in the lottery.
With the ACC Tournament being held in Brooklyn this week, New Yorkers can get a firsthand look at several players who could soon be posing for pictures with a Knicks jersey.
Jayson Tatum, F, Duke
The 6-foot-8 freshman missed the first eight games of the season with a foot injury, but quickly showcased the impressive all-around skills that make him a potential top-five pick. Tatum — who is averaging 16.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks, while shooting better than 35 percent on 3-pointers and over 87 percent on free throws — could make an immediate impact with an offensive arsenal that may make him a future All-Star.
The 19-year-old’s game has improved steadily as the season has progressed, and he has demonstrated improved decision-making and passing. He is strong off the dribble and can create his own shot, and he possesses enough athleticism to defend wings, making him more prepared for the pros than most players his age.
Dennis Smith, G, NC State
The Knicks’ seemingly never-ending search for a point guard could end here. Though Washington’s Markelle Fultz and UCLA’s Lonzo Ball are expected to be the first two point guards selected — and possibly the first two picks in the draft — Smith has nearly as much potential. During his freshman season, the explosive 19-year-old has averaged 18.5 points, 6.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals while shooting nearly 37 percent on 3-pointers. A quick, scoring point guard, Smith needs to develop better shot selection, but he has had little help this season with a weak supporting cast and he will have plenty of time to learn. Slightly undersized at 6-foot3, Smith plays tougher than his frame, fearlessly and relentlessly attacking the rim.
Jonathan Isaac, F, Florida State
This 6-foot-10 freshman offers about as much upside as any player in college, and is capable of becoming a force on both ends of the floor. The Knicks need defensive help more than anything, and Isaac would immediately provide value with his ability to guard multiple positions. Isaac has good court awareness, and has boosted his stock with his activity in the paint, averaging 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals. The 19-year-old has more room to develop offensively, but he already has solid inside-out scoring ability, as well as good ball-handling for his size.
On a deep and talented team, Isaac hasn’t been asked to shoulder enormous offensive responsibility, yet he is averaging 12.6 points and shooting nearly 53 percent from the field and nearly 38 percent from 3-point range. He can’t create his own shot like Tatum, but he offers more overall potential.