A big thank you to Will Villanueva for putting together this writeup
Knicks Draft 2013
3 Guys the Knicks should consider drafting
The New York Knicks currently hold the 24th pick in the upcoming 2013 NBA draft. There are many rumors leading up to the draft as it pertains to what any number of teams plans might be for their respective pick. I’m here to tell you who your New York Knickerbockers should take with their only draft pick. Will weigh the pros and cons of each of the following 3 prospects and what their strengths and weaknesses are as well. Without further ado:
1. Gorgui Dieng PF/C Louisville 6’11” 235 Lbs.
Why you take him:
If he’s there, you take him, no questions asked. The biggest issue is if he lasts until pick 24 in a weak draft. It’s possible, not probable. There are 4 teams ahead of the Knicks who will look to take Dieng if he is there : Boston (16th), Atlanta (17th & 18th), Cleveland (19th) & Brooklyn (22nd). He has good size at 6’11” and a wingspan of 7’4”. He’s already a highly intelligent defensive player and he’s more quicker and agile on the back line than Chandler, Martin and Camby. He’s obviously a more capable defender than Amar’e so from a depth chart standpoint he fits playing behind STAT and Chandler and possibly along side Camby making for an extremely capable defensive front court. Outstanding help defender at the College level, should translate well. He’s got a good mid range touch from the baseline and from 10 to 15 feet from the basket. Decent passer for a big, will find cutters from the high and low post. Will be a solid rotation player for years to come, even from the start of his NBA career.
Why you don’t take him:
He’s currently older than I am, he’s 23 years old so the whole upside thing isn’t there. Lacks any true post skills so he’ll fit right in with the current front court. Not great in transition, much more of a threat in half court through Pick N Roll or Pick N Pop situations. Will never be a go-to scorer by any means, wasn’t able to average double digits in scoring as a senior. Good rebounder, potential to be better, relies on his athleticism and length. Needs to catch the ball better, plain and simple, not bad hands but could be better. Shot 66% around the rim but only 42% right outside the restricted area. Not that strong despite his size. He can be bullied by more bruising center types, luckily aren’t a lot of those types around. Continue reading
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