Draft Notes

by Tommy Dee on June 4th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

So we’ve been doing some digging and multiple sources have fed me some serious scoop.

Right now the Knicks are definitely taking a point guard, which everyone has speculated. There is serious consideration for Jrue Holiday and Stephen Curry, again not real newsworthy.  But, as Jonathan Givony told me on TKB.tv, sources have confirmed that Tyreke Evans is definitely in play.

We’ve learned that the Knicks have Holiday and Curry ahead of Evans, because they feel that they are more suited at the point guard position, but the Memphis product will work out for the Knicks as well as the Kings, Wizards and Raptors with Toronto keeping their fingers crossed that he falls to 9.  No chance he gets past the Raptors, who have all but guaranteed Evans’ camp.

But our sources confirm the Knicks have been doing some serious homework on Evans and like what they are hearing and he should be the pick if both Holiday and Curry are off the board.

“The Knicks have been asking a lot of questions,” the a source close to Evans told me. “And that means they are seriously interested.”

But, from what the source told me, they are not sold on Tyreke as a point guard and have questions about his defense, particularly the fact that he constantly floats, misses assignments,  and tries for steals,  but at 8 Evans is a great pick.

” People are saying that this is a weak draft,” the source continued. “But in 5 years, should Tyreke fall to the Knicks or Raptors at 8 or 9, they are going to say, ‘how did he fall so far?’ “

Admittedly, I was being short sided about Evans based on the fact that the Knicks had just gone through a decade of distractions and need to be careful.  It’s never been a talent issue for me. As you guys know, I’ve had questions about the kid’s background, but as I was reminded, “a lot of kids have had one thing or another off the court, and Tyreke just happened to be related to the person involved in the incident.”

So with the Knicks seemingly comfortable with the kid, should both Curry and Holiday be off the board, I’d expect the Knicks to take Evans if a trade doesn’t come along.

Speaking of trades, Memphis, we’ve learned,  is, in fact, actively shopping the second pick knowing that Ricky Rubio and his agent aren’t thrilled with playing there. They don’t love Hasheem Thabeet either. So it is very possible that Memphis, where Evans led the Tigers to another 30-win season, that the Grizz trade down and take Evans at 4 almost assuring the Knicks will land either Holiday or Curry.

Another source, who coached against the UCLA product,  had this to say about Holiday, which should be music to Knick fan’s ears:

“…He’s an NBA ball-hawking defender right now. This talk about his jump shot is nonsense. He can shoot, not as well as Curry, but he can make open looks. He’ll be able to guard the elite NBA point guards because of his strength and lateral quickness. To me, when you talk about Knick needs and debating Holiday or Curry, I take Holiday…”

On another note, we’ve learned that the Nuggets are actively seeking moving into the draft lottery anywhere between 5 and 12. They are trying to capitalize on the point guard- heavy draft so that they can groom one under Chauncey Billups.

Lots going on everybody. Things are starting to really heat up.
  • KBT1615

    Only Trade With Denver to get Melo or J.R. Smith and I love the fact that Tyreke Is on our board also we could use a ball hawking floor general. Especially if we can pull off a trade for Deandre Jordan.

  • bigknicka

    this great news for me, i love the way tyreke evans plays the game we need someone that has the ability to play the point and play the 2 because larry hughes ain’t stayin, and if we could somehow get minnesota’s 18th pick why not try and get eric maynor as well? thats a 1-2 punch back court that could grow with chandler and gallo at the 3 and 4 (thats if gallo gets strong enough for the 4 like garnett and nowitzki did in the beginning of their careers)

    that would also gives us the oppurtunity to let go nate and either decide on keeping david lee or sign and trade him with an expiring contract for a solid big man or just keep lee and wait for a better deal

    thats a deal i would take in a second because not only does it build a team for the future but it also gives us an oppurtunity to sign a superstar in 2010

  • DanL

    Ugh…JR Smith…Ugh.

  • Sergio

    I’d be OK with Tyreke Evans but be very disappointed with Jrue Holiday. Shocked that Johnny Flynn has been talked about.

  • pedro

    the only bad thing about this draft, is Duhon’s value going way down.
    this ain’t as good as the nfl draft, but it seems we’ll have plenty more action this year.

    here’s my wish list.

    knicks draft holiday
    acquire a late 1st round draft pick
    get rid of jeffries (contract)
    2010 1st round pick is probably too much to ask for (maybe Nate Rob brings one later)

  • KBT1615

    So Brandon Jennings isn’t even on the list?

  • pedro

    Knicks should sign the Birdman or trade for Camby.

  • CircleLimit4

    I like Ty Evans but I think with the failed Krypto experiment last year, the last thing we need is a combo guard trying to play the 1 in a system built for a PG who can move the ball as well as shoot it. A part of me thinks we should take Flynn over Ty if Curry and Holiday are gone.

    But if we were able to secure another young PG (Sessions, Jarrett Jack, Will Bynum, C.J. Watson, Bayless) or a mentor PG (Nash, Miller, Kidd) then Ty Evans would be a great choice.

    But what the “source” above said is right. We could be looking back and saying “why did all those teams pass on Evans?” I think the same might be said for Earl Clark in the future too.

  • impereal

    ditto

  • http://www.knicksfan.net/?p=1841 Tommy Dee: Evans is the Fallback | The Knicks FanBlog

    [...] Dee just brought the serious intel over at The Knicks Blog regarding the Knicks draft plans and some other draft buzz. In the main, this is what Tommy is [...]

  • Mucha

    I really like Tyreke Evans, he’ll need to have a couple of shooters around him to be effective but he’s a poor man’s Dwyane Wade in my opinion. You can’t teach talent and work ethic, some GM’s will regret passing on him in a couple of years in my opinion.

    And the shooter was his cousin, I mean he was a family member. I used to hang out with a couple of knuckleheads when I was 17-18 year old as well but I’ve learned how to choose my friends and I’m good now. Maybe that was a learning experience.

  • Mucha

    An oversized Nate Robinson with a great wingspan is an All-Star.

  • Chris Alvino

    I think Flynn is a darkhorse here. I really do.

    As far as Evans to Memphis is concerned, I just do not see it. They need a PF, and if Rubio is not the pick, then Jordan Hill would be a guy they would trade down for. Unless of course Sacramento trades up and gives up Jason Thompson. Then Evans and Thompson would be an incredible haul for that #2 pick.

    Jason Thompson and #4 for #2 and Darrell Arthur?

  • KBT1615

    excellent point.

  • Bruno

    Sergio:

    Why would you be disappointed with Holiday? He’s an 18y/o Rondo with a jumper. Sounds like exactly what this team needs (plus a shotblocker of course).

  • Bruno

    “the only bad thing about this draft, is Duhon’s value going way down.”

    What’s the big deal? We’re not trading him, so why should we care how much other teams value him or not? Hopefully he’ll play Nate’s role this year.

    BirdMan (or similar C – Eddy Curry and ’10 or ’11 pick for Dalembert?)
    Lee
    Gallo
    Chandler
    Holiday
    ————
    Harrington
    Duhon
    Hughes
    Jeffries

  • CircleLimit4

    I meant it’s like Nate in the sense that a combo can’t play the 1 effectively in this system. But you’re absolutely right, he would be an upgrade and potential all-star replacement for Nate. That said, I don’t think he solves our problems at PG, but certainly for the 2/6th man.

  • Chris Alvino

    I like Holiday’s game. He is big and thick for his age. He has a good handle and can hit open looks. He also comes around screens fairly well. He can get up and down the floor extremely quickly.

    I would like Evans even more if we could get a later 1st round pick to get either Ty Lawson or Darren Collison. I think Collison will have a serious chip on his shoulder when he gets into the NBA. Lawson, when he stays healthy, will also be good leader on a team. He is a winner.

  • Magik_Trick

    I like the thought of a lineup that big, can u imagine..
    PG – Tyreke Evans – 6’6
    SG – Wilson Chandler – 6’8
    SF – Danilo Gallinari – 6’10
    PF – David Lee – 6’10
    C – (Insert Shot-Blocker) – 7’0
    the mismatches we would create all season long, would get us into the playoffs itself…

    The only top PGs I would be dissapointed in are Ty Lawson & Brandon Jennings
    Ty Lawson doesnt seem like hes going to be anything special
    and I think Jennings lost more than he gained by going overseas

  • CircleLimit4

    I think that would be a good deal for both sides if Rubio doesn’t mind playing in Sactown.

  • CircleLimit4

    When I see that lineup I think it needs a true PG and for Evans or Galo to be the 6th man.

  • KBT1615

    3 Things Gallo is 6’11 with shoes, Lee is 6’9 and Going Overseas Helped Brandon Jennings More Than Hurt.

  • Mucha

    Being a winner isn’t that much of a factor, I mean it’s easier to win with Hansbrough, Ellington and Ed Davis. Corey Brewer was a winner as well.

  • Bruno

    I’m a BIG UNC fan. Trust me, Psycho-T & Co. weren’t the same without Lawson.

  • Chris Alvino

    I disagree with you there. I think a winning pedigree is important. Especially when you look at what Lawson meant to that UNC team.

    He is a winning type of player. But point taken on Brewer.

  • bob knick slave

    the more i think about the KNICKS draft ,the mor i think that they are going to make a trade so expect to get a veteran point/or center,and a late draft pick

  • Its The Kid

    It is not a foregone conclusion that the Knicks are picking a point guard Donnie is not that stupid to put his intentions out there like that… He will pick the best player and may have his sights set on a player that we arent currently dicussing… Last year he didnt want Gallo, he wanted Westbrook or Mayo and picked Gallo because they werent there… But up until the draft you heard Gallo this and Gallo that… This year Im sure Curry or Holiday arent his focus… Too easy, no drama, no suspense… But like last year if his man isnt there he will switch to plan B or C… Me personally, Im hoping he can get Harden who is my early pick for Rookie of the Year or at least runner up… Tommy, who half the time I think is way off base, stated that Harden was unathletic but he was faster than Jrue and Curry in the combine and Jumped higher than Griffin… So what does Tommy know really, Im waiting for him to recant that insane comment… But Anyway Harden is the guy I want… But I wont be mad at plan B or C…

  • pedro

    I read Jennings is more mature and less of a ball hog.

    Marcus Camby is a veteran and he’s not getting any younger, so he wouldn’t be much of a help come 2010, but if Donnie wants him, now it’s the time.

    And like Alvino said, can you believe how good of a deal it would have been if the knicks had changed picks in the Z-Bo deal.

  • Mucha

    Because he was a great college player!

  • Mucha

    Being a winner is really a factor when you’re 27-30 years old in my opinion. Until then, it doesn’t really matter, I mean look at Raymond Felton and Corey Brewer. Felton is a good player but can you really say that he’s a winner in the NBA?

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    LOL.

    I like this guy.

    TD

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    Harden’s stats.

    http://www.nbadraft.net/node/6301

    More impressive than I thought. But what wasn’t impressive was his beer league effort against the Cuse.

    I don’t judge based on one game, there are other players I’d rather have.

    So feel free to have your own opinion and don’t worry so much about mine…

    BTW haven’t heard anything about Harden coming out of Knicks camp…

  • Chris Alvino

    I doubt Harden falls that low, but if he does, he will be considered. Just like Rubio probably is not mentioned heavily at Knicks camp, Harden is not probably because he is:

    a) not someone to trade up to get because he does not fill one of our two biggest needs in a PG or a defensive center that has the offensive game ot mesh in the system.

    b) he probably won’t fall this low.

    But if the pick comes between Curry and let’s say Harden, Harden is not out of the question.

  • Chris Alvino

    With Harden likely going before #8 and with no center worth taking after Thabeet (to some, he is even a stretch), I think anyone can see that Walsh will pick a player that can run the point.

    The only exception, other than a trade, which is always possible, would be to take DeRozan who projects as a SG/ Sf in the pros. Evans can be listed in the PG class even though he is probably going to be a SG.

    I think that the choices, in no real order, are:

    Holiday
    Curry
    Jennings (darkhorse)
    Evans
    Flynn (darkhorse)

  • Chris Alvino

    So I do not see how Tommy is off-base in saying that the Knicks will take a PG. That is the sensible way to go. If Walsh picks a player like Earl Clark or Austin Daye at 8, then he will create a logjam of young talent at the SF /PF position with that pick, Chandler, Gallo, and likely Lee. Walsh is too smart for that.

    A player like Jordan Hill, if he falls to 8, is a bit different in that he might be able to play center in this system. Not an ideal fit, but with his blocking ability, he can work.

  • KBT1615

    I just remembered something guys the PF, C that the suns went all the way to the West Finals with was shawn marion and Stoudemire guys if we can get a 6’11 pf/c or 7 foot center bot of whom block the occasional shot we should be good.

  • Its The Kid

    The Knicks werent talking about Westbrook either, so maybe Harden is on their radar… Tommy I saw him play alot in his two years in college… And the dude has something… But I gotta give you your due for the fact that you checked the stats and gave the guy some credit… And you are entitled to your opinion, expect me to get at you sometimes though ha…

    As for Chris I wasnt saying that Harden could or would fall to 8, but only stating that he much like Rubio is a guy who the Knicks would be happy to have… If we can make pie in the sky scenarios on how we could get Rubio why not do the same for Harden… I honestly believe if we stay at 8 Jennings or Fiynn may end up being the pick… Not much separates the players in this draft outside of the top 3 maybe 4, the rest is based on preference… My off base comment was refering to some of Tommy’s other statements… But ask yourself this if Donnie wants another pick in a pg heavy draft could he not be thinking about Patty Mills or Collison as an alternative to the top 6 pgs… Pair that with an athletic 2 guard maybe we have something….

  • Jeff Cykiert

    You’re proposing a starting lineup with 3 guys who can’t shoot and one guy who can only shoot every now and then…

    It would have to be
    Birdman
    Harrington
    Galo
    Chandler
    Duhon

    Which is no better than this year.

  • Jeff Cykiert

    Yea, that lineup, like most i have seen recently, doesn’t have a good true PG or good shooting. The big mismatching lineup who can all play inside and outside would be perfect with a PG who can actually shoot.. curry

    I think you will all be surprised to see that David Lee will NEVER play PF for us next a conventional ‘shotblocker’ center.

    Lee is a 5 for us, and thats the way its gona be unless we get someone like Dirk.

  • Jeff Cykiert

    @ Its The Kid: If we’re talking secret DW targets who we aren’t hearing about… I’ll go with DeMar DeRozan…. with some time spent perfecting his fundamentals, combined with his amazing size and athleticism for his position, this kid has the potential to be a STALLION of a SG in this league.

  • Jeff Cykiert

    he doesn’t have great range, but that seems to be a typical trait of super-athletic stud wing-men upon entering the leauge. MJ couldn’t shoot a 3 when he was young.

  • http://theKnicksBlog.com Tommy Dee

    I’m curious Jeff. Highlights aside what do you remember about MJ. Were you alive in 82?

    MJ could shoot, he didn’t have 15 years of a three point line. The 3 point game developed as MJ did. So let’s leave MJ out of this.

    PG heavy draft go PG unless you can make a deal.

    Gotta do it.

  • bob knick slave

    How about a 2 guard?the KNICKS dont have a legit 2 guard

  • KBT1615

    How you figure?

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    [...] The Knicks Blog » Draft Notes- If Evans on the board, he’s a Raptor We’ve learned that the Knicks have Holiday and Curry ahead of Evans, because they feel that they are more suited at the point guard position, but the Memphis product will work out for the Knicks as well as the Kings, Wizards and Raptors with Toronto keeping their fingers crossed that he falls to 9. No chance he gets past the Raptors, who have all but guaranteed Evans’ camp. [...]

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