Land O’ Takes: Options for the Knicks at pick 8 in the NBA Draft

The Strickland’s draft experts — Shwinnypooh, Theo, Prez and Stingy — got together to assess the Knicks’ options after landing at the No. 8 spot in the draft.

1. How do you think the top 10 picks will unfold, assuming no trades happen?

2. Who do you want at No. 8 for NYK, with no qualifications or caveats other than assuming Killian Hayes is off the board?

Shwin: Devin Vassell. He’s not going to be a mega-star, but the Knicks need all levels of NBA players, and that includes super competent role players with clear plus skills on both sides of the ball. What Vassell brings to the table as a proficient 3-point shooter and as an orchestrator capable of directing a whole team’s actions possession-by-possession defensively isn’t sexy, but it is exceedingly valuable.

Theo: I’m starting to come around on Vassell a bit more. I would say I’m torn between him and Cole Anthony. Vassell’s archetype is extremely valuable, especially when you get to postseason play. And his fit next to RJ would be pretty seamless. As for Cole, I think he’s not as good as he looked in EYBL, but not as bad as he looked at North Carolina. I think somewhere in that middle ground lies a really interesting player.

Stingy: Anthony Edwards? Can I say that? Nah? Isaac Okoro is my next favorite guy, but the fit with the Knicks isn’t exactly cozy town. Part of me thinks the Knicks should tack on a shooter with each of their three picks this year, which has me leaning to Vassell and Desmond Bane, who are sixth and seventh on my personal big board, respectively. In the end, the clock is winding down, and I have to go with my gut. I’d say the best player available is Okoro; tell the commish.  

Prez: I am torn between Vassell and Kira Lewis Jr., so let’s say Kira. Kira immediately gives the Knicks great on- and off-ball shooting at point guard, with the potential to scorch people off the dribble. Does he have to improve some things here or there? Sure, but if you have plus shooting and great acceleration/deceleration, that’s quite a bit to work with! 

3. Would you consider trading the pick plus other assets to move up into the top three for LaMelo or Edwards? What’s the most you would give up?

Shwin: I mean, sure, but I’m not giving up much. I guess I’d give up our whole draft this year, the Dallas 2023 pick, and some combination of the second round picks we own, but it feels like the wrong draft to be aggressive about moving up. I like LaMelo plenty, but do I think he’s a guy you “have to have” akin to Luka Doncic? No. I will say that if the Knicks do feel that way about him (or somebody else), they should shoot their shot. I’ll disagree with their evaluation and risk assessment, but I’ll never get too pissed about taking a chance like that in the draft after years of passivity in that regard.

Theo: I’ll never fault a team for trading up if they believe that THEIR guy is only attainable by giving up a few assets. I wouldn’t do it, though. Not in this draft. I like both LaMelo and Edwards, but I don’t think the Knicks will regret not trading for them. In all likelihood, there is a chance that some players drafted after them will be better. In any event, if the price isn’t too high (both first rounders this year and a Dallas pick, maybe?) I’d be okay with NY pulling the trigger if they have more belief in those guys than I do.

Stingy: I think it’s just as reasonable to trade down in this draft as it is to move up to secure the guy that you think is the guy. With that in mind, I’d happily move up, but getting into the top three wouldn’t be such a serious worry from my point of view. I’d be much happier just flipping Dennis Smith Jr. and the 8th pick for the 7th pick and a future second if I can pry that stuff off of Detroit. 

Prez: For LaMelo, I’d make the call about moving No. 8 and the Dallas 2021 pick, top-3 protected plus some wack assets (Knox, DSJ, the 27th pick, 2nd rounders, etc.). They can pry Mitch from my cold, dead hands. For Ant? I’m good on that. 

4. Would you consider trading the pick as part of a deal for an older, more established player? 

Shwin: Define older, more established player, please. It depends on the age profile of the player, and how much time they have left on their contract. Somebody that’s in their mid-20’s who still has some perceived upside left? Sure. Chris Paul or some old-ass geezer? Nah. Fuck that. Could they flip the picks straight up for somebody like Lauri Markkanen, who may still be disillusioned with the Bulls despite Jim Boylen’s dismissal? I’m intrigued.

Theo: Consider it? Sure. Like most things, it depends on the price. But who are we going after? LaVine? CP3? None of those options on their face really entice me. For me, it has to be for a relatively young player that can move the needle. I’ve seen a Derrick White proposal. I could get behind that. But I’m generally a fan of just trying to draft well.

Stingy: I’d definitely consider it. I’m the water on the rock, not the rock in the water. Who are we talking about though, Zach LaVine? He’s not especially exciting to me. Chris Paul is worth it if the Thunder are attaching assets. Why should we help them out of a salary jam? Those fools are a crying poverty franchise, and I could give a rat’s ass. If no one is gonna bowl you over, stand pat.

Prez: I am a big fan of cost-controlled young guys, especially boring ones. Getting someone like CP3, Lauri or LaVine is great, but you’re paying for them. I’d rather use the Knicks’ cap space for other tasks. I would probably pass unless it was for a real star like Donovan Mitchell or Devin Booker (which ain’t happening). 

5. Who’s the one player you ABSOLUTELY don’t want?

Shwin: Cole Anthony. I get why people are into him, I just don’t see the argument for him over Kira Lewis Jr. (or Grant Riller, for that matter). He’s probably going to be ok, but so are those guys, and from what I’ve seen of the three, Lewis and Riller pop on film more. Lewis and Riller also both profile as plus shooters, which is one of the biggest pro-Cole arguments. I’m good on bringing back the hometown kid.

Theo: Tyrese Haliburton. I think he’s gonna be a fine role player for some team, but doesn’t have the tools to play lead guard (bad usage rate, can’t get to the foul line, no pull-up game, etc). More than anything, though, I’m against drafting “safe,” especially in this draft. The Knicks just spent a pretty penny in acquiring an Avengers-like development staff. Let’s see what they’re made of. Draft a guy with a high ceiling and let’s go from there.

Stingy: Aleksej Pokusevski. It’s a gigantic reach and I don’t believe the hype. Having said that, if you can nab him at 27, he’s the greatest late first round pick the Knicks have ever made. Bonafide multi-time All Star, All-NBA talent. MVP. HOF. If not all that, certainly he’s about as good Porzingis and Giannis put together. But at No. 8, he’s the anorexic Sofoklis Schortsanitis and bulimic Oliver Miller. 

Prez: I don’t think he’ll fall to the Knicks, but Wiseman is literally my worst fear. He would undercut Mitch and would be a guy with a bunch of PPG-RPG-BPG-ass fans, a la Hassan Whiteside. I’d be sick.