The 2015 NBA Draft is in the books and although New York Knicks fans shared their displeasure of Phil Jackson's first go-around with raucous boos last night, others don't share the sentiment. The Knicks used the No. 4 overall pick on Kristaps Porzingis, a 7-footer from Latvia. They later traded for guard Jerian Grant (No. 19) and selected Guillermo Hernangomez in the second round. Despite the divisive nature of New York's first pick, ESPN NBA Draft Insider Chad Ford gave the team an A- draft grade.
"I like the Porzingis pick for the Knicks," Ford wrote. "They took the best player despite their reservations. That takes courage and I believe Porzingis has all the tools to make them look very, very smart. But I'll only love the pick if they commit to developing him the same way the Bucks did with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Jazz did with Dante Exum. They weren't ready. Neither is Porzingis. But to develop into a star, he needs minutes. Lots of them. He needs to play through his mistakes. He needs a coach that gives him confidence. And I don't know that the Knicks are that committed. They have to be. If they leave him on the bench, they'll stunt his development and damage his potential. With the win-now approach of the Knicks, I fear he could be put in the same tough position of other high profile busts. So while it's a great get for the Knicks, I'm not sure it was the best situation for him."
Porzingis is a sweet shooting big man who can score from deep. While his range fits the triangle offense, his lack of passing down low and his slight frame (230 pounds) does not. That doesn't mean he won't be successful in New York, but as Ford noted, the Knicks will have to be patient with him.Porzingis has already taken a liking to the city of New York and doesn't appear overwhelmed by the cultural change, which is a positive.
Some critics of the pick will look at point guard Emmanuel Mudiay or small forward Justin Winslow as more NBA ready prospect that were available at No. 4. Both would have been able to help the Knicks more this season than Porzingis but neither player is without their question marks. It's clear that Phil Jackson took a risk with this pick but what isn't clear just yet is if he'll be rewarded for it.
