The Crapshoot Chronicles
Anji - all potential draft picks have question marks and mock drafts can be compiled by just about any self-appointed expert with a computer. Every last one of them. Michael Jordan had question marks and Sam Bowie had question marks. Portland decided that Bowie was the choice. Go figure.
The smartest General managers, or wanna-be general managers, understand how to visualize a players skill set in the context of his teams needs. For every person who covets a Faried, I would respond that by having acquired Amare and Carmelo, and given the offense-oriented coaching philosophy, rebounding is less an issue than ensuring said offense has the proper components to operate at maximum efficiency from the jump.
Rebounding is also easier to fix than leadership and tempo. You make rebounding a team effort. And you audition all the 6'11 specialists you can scout in Summer League.
Billups is good, but he is NOT an answer to any question past 2012. If a pass-oriented lead guard, who happens to be 6'4, is available - you grab him faster than you can say Rick Brunson. A yoot at lead guard is a beautiful thing. Young legs. A player with multiple gears. Wonderful options to have when you have two stars as the prime shot hounds.
Of course, there are no guarantees. That is why Donnie Walnuts makes the big bucks and the rest of us are mashing keys on a laptop. The foresight to select Landry Fields was aided by carefully measuring a skill-set in a Knicks context. The Knicks need two things. Talent over 6'10 and reliable leadership in the backcourt. Should Toney Douglas develop as a lead guard, all the better. Practice just got more competitive
The Knicks need to maximize their best assets. That includes Shawne Williams, who showed signs of being a better rebounder. If Extra E builds his strength and anticipation, it could be a cool second season in the big city.
In the era of yoot, lightning fast first steps and problematic defensive matchups, Darius Morris keeps the Knicks relevant by getting guys the rock where they want it.
Hit the open man.