Why The Knicks Had An Amazing Draft

20. Renaldo Balkman, SF, South CarolinaMany people might say that this guy is a 2nd round pick at best. But, what the Draft commentators last night did not recognize was that the Knicks did not have a 2nd round pick, they had 2 first rounders. Some guys that Balkman has been compared has been Dennis Rodman and Ron Artest for his agressive rebounding skills and amazing defensive skills. I heard that if there was an "oppenents batting average" for each player, this guys would be amazingly low. Yes, I am not going to lie at all, I was waiting for the Knicks to draft Marcus Williams, but after hearing what this kid could do and reading up more on him last night, I do not think this was that bad of a pick, especially with who we got at our next pick, at number 29.29. Mardy Collins, PG, TempleMany people might be criticizing Thomas by saying that if he was going to go with a PG, why not take Williams at number 20 and then take Balkman at number 29. It was pretty apparent that Balkman would be there at number 29, but Isiah drafted for need as usual. Thomas, unlike some other of his categories for an executive, has a great reputation for his drafts. Why? Because he drafts for need to make the team better. Collins averaged just under 17 PPG last year while he attended Temple and just under 3 SPG. No, his assists are not his greatest statistic, while he only aeraged 4 APG, but to be honest, Temple did not have the greatest players in the world to pass to, like Williams did. Also, COllins is 6'6 and plays PG. Great ball handling skills and about 2 TPG, which will hopefully lower to a more abismal type number. But, his defense is spectacular. A 6'6 PG whose defense is spectacular and who can shoot the ball and handle the ball great at pick number 29, is good for me. Also, he didn't just score points verse bad teams. 25 vs. Maryland, 19 vs. Villanova, 28 vs. Xavier, 19 vs. Miami, 15 vs. UCLA, 18 vs. Army, 18 vs. Charlotte, 26 vs. Duke, 25 vs. Saint Josephs, and even better performances.

Wait, you're actually justifying picking a below 10 ppg, 6 rpg, shoots just over 50% at the FT line, can barely make a 3, is too little to play PF, and averages as many turnovers as assists? He's not even close to being Artest and Rodman. He dominated shitty players in the NIT, got the MVP of the NIT, and entered the draft hoping to get picked late in the draft.I wouldn't have been surprised if he could have been signed as a undrafted free agent.Collins is a better pick but still pretty bad considering the Knicks problems. Mardy Collins joins Jamal Crawford, Stephon Marbury, and Steve Francis as hybrid guards. Collins only averaged 17 ppg because his entire team was shit. He had to score, if noone else did, they would lose by 30 every game. He is a superb defender at the PG position but that's mainly because of his size. Now what are the Knicks going to do with Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford, Steve Francis, Stephon Marbury, Quentin Richardson, and Mardy Collins (notice 6 of the active 12 are PG/SG)? The smarter pick would have been Paul Davis since Jerome James is worthless.The Knicks had another bad draft. At least Thomas sealed his fate of getting fired next season. It's almost as if he had a bad draft to purposefully get himself fired.

Cmon man, you dont actually believe that crap, do you?They're first screw up of the draft was letting the #2 overall pick get away. The Knicks could have used their own LaMarcus Alderidge or Tyrus Thomas. Their second screw up was reaching on a second rounder at #20 overall. They could have gone elsewheres and still gotten Balkman at 29 like you said if they had wanted him so badly. And then do the Knicks really need another guard? They already have...Stephan MarburySteve FrancisJamal CrawfordNate RobinsonAnd then several G-F's likeQuentin RichardsonJalen RoseAnd the Knicks are normally a team that draft fairly well.....idiots.

Another heartbreaking year for the Knicks, wouldn't be surprised if they cant win more than 10 games >_<

this was a horrible draft all around.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (chang @ Jun 29 2006, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Wait, you're actually justifying picking a below 10 ppg, 6 rpg, shoots just over 50% at the FT line, can barely make a 3, is too little to play PF, and averages as many turnovers as assists? He's not even close to being Artest and Rodman. He dominated shitty players in the NIT, got the MVP of the NIT, and entered the draft hoping to get picked late in the draft.I wouldn't have been surprised if he could have been signed as a undrafted free agent.Collins is a better pick but still pretty bad considering the Knicks problems. Mardy Collins joins Jamal Crawford, Stephon Marbury, and Steve Francis as hybrid guards. Collins only averaged 17 ppg because his entire team was shit. He had to score, if noone else did, they would lose by 30 every game. He is a superb defender at the PG position but that's mainly because of his size. Now what are the Knicks going to do with Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford, Steve Francis, Stephon Marbury, Quentin Richardson, and Mardy Collins (notice 6 of the active 12 are PG/SG)? The smarter pick would have been Paul Davis since Jerome James is worthless.The Knicks had another bad draft. At least Thomas sealed his fate of getting fired next season. It's almost as if he had a bad draft to purposefully get himself fired.</div>Exactly. Allen Ray (undrafted, on Celtics summer league roster) is a better basketball player than this guy, I don't even know his name. Collins is a solid pick, but why not pick Marcus Williams at pick 20 if they wanted to pick a PG?

Why the Knicks had an amazing draft: They got no one to help them and they're going to suck in 2006-07 and Greg Oden will be a Bull.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BrianUrlacher54 @ Jun 29 2006, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Why the Knicks had an amazing draft: They got no one to help them and they're going to suck in 2006-07 and Greg Oden will be a Bull. </div>Yeah right man, i see them being a very good team and could possibly win their division because their only getting better but there's no way i see you getting Greg Oden unless you intend to lose every game.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BrianUrlacher54 @ Jun 29 2006, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Why the Knicks had an amazing draft: They got no one to help them and they're going to suck in 2006-07 and Greg Oden will be a Bull. </div>Dude, Honestly...leave it alone.We're sick of hearing you say that. lol

Since when did the Bulls have the Knicks 07 1st round pick?<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>New York also conveys to Chicago the right to switch first round draft picks with New York in 2007 provided that New York?s first round selection does not go to Utah (is not number 25-30)</div>Utah gets the 07 NYK 1st round pick unless the Knicks have a miracle season and finishes top 3 in the East.

Are you serious? When did the Jazz get the Knicks first round pick and what was the trade?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (chang @ Jun 29 2006, 06:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Since when did the Bulls have the Knicks 07 1st round pick?<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>New York also conveys to Chicago the right to switch first round draft picks with New York in 2007 provided that New York?s first round selection does not go to Utah (is not number 25-30)</div>Utah gets the 07 NYK 1st round pick unless the Knicks have a miracle season and finishes top 3 in the East.</div>That means that if their pick is 25-30, Utah gets it. Otherwise, we can swap picks with them.

I think it means the pick goes to wouldn't go to Utah because it isn't between 25-30.The wording and the use of parentheses can be interpreted in different ways.Either way, whichever team that gets the pick would still have to win the lotto.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (chang @ Jun 30 2006, 01:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I think it means the pick goes to wouldn't go to Utah because it isn't between 25-30.The wording and the use of parentheses can be interpreted in different ways.Either way, whichever team that gets the pick would still have to win the lotto.</div>Well there's more than Greg Oden Joakim Noah and Big Baby

but Greg Oden is the true GEM of that draft

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nebkreb @ Jul 1 2006, 10:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>but Greg Oden is the true GEM of that draft</div>As if Joakim Noah isn't as good?? And Oden just had wrist surgery and may be out until January

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BrianUrlacher54 @ Jul 1 2006, 11:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nebkreb @ Jul 1 2006, 10:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>but Greg Oden is the true GEM of that draft</div>As if Joakim Noah isn't as good?? And Oden just had wrist surgery and may be out until January</div>Why would the Bulls draft Noah when they just drafted thomas. Both players can play either SF or PF. O and now Oden isnt as good when you realize you're not going to get him.

oden is overratted. i have seen him in person, he went to my rival highschool.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 29 2006, 08:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Cmon man, you dont actually believe that crap, do you?They're first screw up of the draft was letting the #2 overall pick get away. The Knicks could have used their own LaMarcus Alderidge or Tyrus Thomas. Their second screw up was reaching on a second rounder at #20 overall. They could have gone elsewheres and still gotten Balkman at 29 like you said if they had wanted him so badly. And then do the Knicks really need another guard? They already have...Stephan MarburySteve FrancisJamal CrawfordNate RobinsonAnd then several G-F's likeQuentin RichardsonJalen RoseAnd the Knicks are normally a team that draft fairly well.....idiots.</div>That is where you are wrong. We didnt give up a #2 pick. At the begginning of the season, several analysts were saying that we would make the playoffs, making the trade not bad. After hearing that, I didnt bother reading the rest. Sorry.

I don't remember any analyst saying New York was a playoff team. In fact, most people were ridiculing New York for their off-season moves.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Street @ Jul 1 2006, 04:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>That is where you are wrong. We didnt give up a #2 pick. At the begginning of the season, several analysts were saying that we would make the playoffs, making the trade not bad. After hearing that, I didnt bother reading the rest. Sorry.</div>And anybody with a brain knew that Larry Brown was going to have little to no impact on a team filled with no defensive players and a few ballhogs. They were a mess when the made the trade and they still are one.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (chang @ Jul 1 2006, 08:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I don't remember any analyst saying New York was a playoff team. In fact, most people were ridiculing New York for their off-season moves.</div>I agree, but not even in Chicago did they think the pick would be as high as it was.

but everyone knew it was in the lottery! many many analysts said that the Knicks made a mistake because they were obviously going to havea terrible season.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nebkreb @ Jul 2 2006, 09:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>but everyone knew it was in the lottery! many many analysts said that the Knicks made a mistake because they were obviously going to havea terrible season.</div>It was a bad idea for them, but in Chicago, we didn't think it was going to be as good as it was. We thought at best, it'd be b/t 5-15.

well in Chicago they got lucky

Personally, I think the lottery is the dumbest idea in the world.I don't get why you'd risk punishing the worst team yet help reward good GMs for ripping off another team.Then again, Stern isn't a very smary commish.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (chang @ Jul 2 2006, 11:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Personally, I think the lottery is the dumbest idea in the world.I don't get why you'd risk punishing the worst team yet help reward good GMs for ripping off another team.Then again, Stern isn't a very smary commish.</div>The idea of the lottery was to prevent teams going into the tank for a draft pick.

You can look at this both ways.On the negative side of things, we needed a popular pick at #20. ISIAH needed a popular pick at 20. Marcus Williams would have been a great fit, a true pass first point guard who can eventually take over for Marbury and Francis. That would have been a great pick. Balkman would then be taken at #29, and we have the best of both worlds. On the good side of things; we got what we REALLY needed. Players who have intensity and can play defense. Both Balkman and Collins are going to run the floor, get in your face and play great defense. Quentin Richardson was our best all around defender last year, and we can't let that happen again. We need guys off the bench who are going to guard the perimeter, block shots and not let teams shoot high percentage shots. Isiah must see something in Marbury and Francis. Afterall, he's the one who brought them here. They will be running the point and as much as I hate the man, you have to trust Isiah to utilize them correctly. The only thing left to say is that we took Balkman too early, but Isiah is sure that Phoenix was all over him at #21...They followed the pick by trading out of the draft completely, so at least there's some kind of evidence that shows that.I'm not HAPPY with our draft, but I am much more content with it than I was the night it all went down.

I remember Tim Legler calling the knicks a 7th or 8th seed. That quickly disappeared when the first 10 days.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jul 2 2006, 03:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (chang @ Jul 2 2006, 11:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Personally, I think the lottery is the dumbest idea in the world.I don't get why you'd risk punishing the worst team yet help reward good GMs for ripping off another team.Then again, Stern isn't a very smary commish.</div>The idea of the lottery was to prevent teams going into the tank for a draft pick.</div>Yeah. And how is a team being rewarded for ripping off someone else?? Say the Texans got fleeced in a deal by the Bears and it included their 1st-round draft pick, the Bears would be picking at #1