Chad Ford’s Latest: With Curry Off Board, Expect…

by Chris Alvino on June 17th, 2009 at 12:18 am

In an update on ESPN, Chad Ford wrote this:

“It sounds like the Knicks are coming to grips with the fact that Stephon Curry is unlikely to be there when they pick at No. 8. The Thunder (No. 3), Wizards (No. 5) and Warriors (No. 7) all have interest. But Donnie Walsh’s biggest challenge comes from his former protégé, David Kahn in Minnesota, who seems to have focused in on Curry and Tyreke Evans if he can’t get Ricky Rubio.

I spoke with Walsh on Tuesday and he said he believes that he’s going to get a good pick at No. 8 and is content there. The Knicks have had just about everyone in, including Evans, Curry, Jrue Holiday, Jordan Hill, Jonny Flynn and Brandon Jennings.

I think they’ll take Hill if he’s still on the board at No. 8. If he isn’t there, it sounds like Evans or Jennings could be the pick. The Knicks sounded especially impressed with Jennings, saying he was better than expected in their workout versus Evans. Apparently Jennings brought great energy into the workout, he was confident and competitive and he shot the ball well.

While I think Evans and Hill are likely the top two players in New York if Curry isn’t there, I do think Jennings is in the mix.”

I am starting to accept the fact that Curry will likely not be available at #8.  That, however, might not be an awful thing.  Brandon Jennings in NY appears to be a real possibility.  At least he was on record saying that he wants to be here.  Then again, so did most of the prospects.

This draft is unlike most others.  There is so much uncertainty in this year’s top 10 that things seem to change day-to-day.  On draft night, GMs will have to think fast because there figures to be plenty of curveballs thrown.

Oh, Ford also notes that BJ Mullens does not have a promise in Chicago, and does not necessarily have one in the top 16 like was previously reported.  Why am I not surprised?  Ford continues to write that the Knicks have shown serious interest in him, but the Knicks have shown serious interest in a ton of players.  Perhaps in the latter half of the first round Mullens would be an option.  Not at 8 though.  If David Stern were to announce Mullens’ name for the Knicks at 8, there would be riots in the NY City streets.

About Chris Alvino

Chris Alvino grew up in Crestwood, NY. He graduated from Regis High School in 2005. There he played both basketball and baseball. Chris is currently a student at Boston College, where he practices with the varsity Women's Basketball Team (... seriously). Chris has been a Knicks' fan for years and can literally talk about them all day long, every day of the week. Chris enjoys writing on this blog and seeing what everyone out there has to say about it. View all posts by Chris Alvino →
  • KBT1615

    YEAAHHHH!!!!
    Serious Interest In Brandon Jennings. Wooooo.

  • CircleLimit4

    The uncertainty of who will be available when is why it’s extremely important that Walsh either moves up or gets a later pick (or both in a perfect world). I would be happy with Evans or Hill (or DeRozan, Henderson, Clark for that matter) but we need to find a solution at the point this draft. It’s too strong of a PG class to pass up.

  • Sergio

    I’m going to be very disappointed if they take that clown Brandon Jennings. Our PG needs to be a leader and the face of the franchise. I’m so sick of clowns like Stephon Marbury and Jennings embarrassing the organization. I can’t believe Donnie Walsh would do this. If Stephen Curry is gone (I don’t think he will be), take Jordan Hill or Tyreke Evans. Stay away from that big mouth Jennings.

  • DanL

    Brandon Council, NC [via mobile]

    Do u think that Jennings is better than Rubio?
    Chad Ford

    Totally different players … and no. Rubio is a true point guard who sees the floor and makes everyone around him better. Jennings is more in the mold of Allen Iverson — a super quick guard who thrives at penetrating and creating his own shot. Rubio can score a little and Jennings can pass a little … but they are totally different and at the end of the day finding guys like Rubio are a lot harder than finding guys like Jennings. And let’s not forget, while Jennings was hyping his one-on-one matchup with Rubio … Rubio was just coming back from a major injury. Look at their season at the end and it was Rubio, not Jennings, that was putting up the numbers in Europe.

  • theghostofwillisreed

    did jennings kill your dog? how is he “embarassing the organization” when he’s not a member of it? keep in mind he’s NINETEEN! i’m sorry but these comments are venturing into “get off my lawn, you kids!” territory. i mean, really. i’m really supposed to believe in a game of basketball that these kids are supposed to be meek and humble and not confident in what they bring to the table? puh-lease..

  • Cheech

    I will be very disapointed if the knicks take jennings. He is simply not the type of player that i want on the knicks. I dont doubt his skill. But i do doubt his personality and intelligence. Id rather take johnny flynn if both are still available. I pray he gets picked before the knicks so we dont have the chance to take him. And i pray boston moves up to take evans with the wiz pick so that curry can possibly frop to the knicks.
    I dont know how much it would take to move up, but i would move up to 5 to take curry (if he is still there on draft nite). I think he would be a great player in this city and would help us win a lot of games with his potentially clutch jumper. I also think he will be a great decision maker.
    This site has said time and again how the jets moved up for sanchez and how it may be wise for the knicks to do the same for rubio. I think they were right about moving up and getting thier guy. But i think that guy is CURRY.

  • Chris Alvino

    I would rather not have Jennings at 8. That said, I will give him a fair chance if drafted by the Knicks.

  • http://www.fuel.tv/zolpidem3c Zolpidem.

    Zolpidem….

    Zolpidem overnight. Zolpidem overdose. Zolpidem….