I was going to call this the 2018 NBA draft thoughts but I wanted to say this first;

THE KNICKS ARE NOT GETTING KAWHI LEONARD OR LEBRON JAMES.

The Knicks don’t have enough cap space, and without trading Porzingis they have no assets to trade for them. Those guys wouldn’t have any reason to come here without Porzingis (and barely any reason to come even if he is here). So let’s stop all this talk right now.

OK, rant over. On to the draft. I’m not a draft expert, I hardly watch any college ball, but I did call for Porzingis months before the draft, so lets see if I can make another good prediction this year.

Trae Young – The guy can score. The Knicks need scoring. The Knicks also need literally everything, so taking a guy based on one need isn’t the way to go about this. From the little footage I’ve seen I have a feeling Young is going to get creamed on defense. I’m thinking Isaiah Thomas. Can put up a ton of points but is almost unplayable due to not being able to guard anyone. I’d take a pass on Young.

Michael Porter Jr. – There’s a chance that his injuries could scare people off. I know the Knicks have had terrible luck with injury prone players, but if Porter Jr. falls to #9 I’d grab him. His upside is too hard to pass up. He’s been all over the place in mock drafts, but he’s trending upward just days before the draft so I’d make a NetBet that he’s not available at 9.

Mikal Bridges – He’s a two way player. The Knicks have maybe two of those on the roster if you squint just right. Can’t get enough of guys like that. If he’s available the Knicks should thank the basketball gods and jump on that.

Collin Sexton – I’m torn on this one. Drafting a PG the year after drafting Ntilikina seems weird, but maybe they can play together. Sexton can play defense to that would be a nice young defensive backcourt. As I’m writing this I’m talking myself into it.

Wendell Carter Jr. – I wouldn’t be a fan of this pick. Doesn’t seem terribly athletic. Might have trouble scoring. Probably couldn’t keep up with quicker power forwards. The Knicks need a stud and I feel like Wendell’s ceiling is solid rotation player.

It’s such a crap shoot at #9 who knows. I’m sure a couple of these guys will be really good and a couple will be complete busts. I just hope the Knicks make the right pick.