shinmen wrote:I really like WCS too. I just wish we could get an additional piece along him. I read that Sacramento were interested in him so we can't trade down too far below. Maybe If we could swap picks with Orlando, we could get an additional young piece or 2rnd pick from them. I don't know if they could be interested.

Stop Overthinking It, the Knicks Are Drafting Willie Cauley-Stein

It’s been a week since the Knicks tripped and fell in the NBA Draft lottery. Almost immediately since that moment, I’ve been endlessly obsessing about who the Knicks could possibly land with the fourth selection. Many have lazily deduced that Emmanuel Mudiay could/should/would be the Knicks choice. After all, Mudiay has consistently been rated amongst the top four talents in this years draft. The first two, Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns are expected to be selected with each of the top two picks. Then, seemingly every mock draft in the world has the 76ers taking D’Angelo Russell. (Excuse me, I have something in my eye). That leaves the Knicks the physically gifted, point-guard prospect Emmanuel Mudiay. Not only would Mudiay be the highest rated prospect left on the board, but the Knicks also have a need at point guard. So what are they waiting for? Start stitching the jersey! Not so fast my tormented friends. Questions about Mudiay’s game — needed development, not an ideal fit for the triangle offense — aside... If you’ve been reading the tea leaves, Phil Jackson has been consistent in what he’s looking to get out of this draft.

“Gotta have a defender… That’s a good starting point — a guy like Tyson Chandler is the defensive backup that we have to have. In this day and age in our game, there are so many screen and rolls, so many 3-point shooters, so many things that a player of size has to (do). Not only cover the paint and protect the basket but he has to be able to step out defensively and play a guard. And do some defensive work on the extreme part of the floor so it’s very important that that player have defensive capabilities.” — Phil Jackson 4/2/2015

Most assumed that simply meant that Phil Jackson would likely choose Karl Anthony-Towns over Jahlil Okafor; if given the opportunity. However some also noted that Jackson’s description sounded an awful lot like Willie Cauley-Stein; the UK center who chases point guards across full courts like a cheetah about to put a suffocating bite around the neck of a Thomson’s gazelle.

http://streamable.com/4hlv?t=5.4

Interestingly enough, even Willie Cauley-Stein felt Phil may have been referring to him when he heard the comment. It’s no secret that the Knicks have long had their eye on drafting a Wildcat. The Knicks organization spent more time scouting Kentucky than any other NBA franchise. Multiple reports cited that Knicks top scout Mark Warkentien attended over a dozen practices this past season in Lexington. The Zen Master himself even spent two days in the bluegrass state. Where he observed both a UK practice and the Wildcats game vs. Arkansas. (In case you were wondering, Cauley-Stein had seven points, nine rebounds — four offensive, two assists, four blocks, and two steals in Kentucky’s victory). Knicks scouts racking up expense tabs at Lexington area Waffle Houses was surely prompted by hopes of drafting Karl-Anthony Towns. However it’s likely to assume the Knicks were also preparing themselves should they have not gotten their first choice.
In doing so, no matter which way the ping pong balls bounced, they would still be prepared to draft the type of defensive big they covet. A desire that was reiterated by Phil Jackson again at his end of season press conference.

“The reason why I mentioned that bigs are a priority for us in the draft is simply that I think the defense has to be anchored by stopping the ball. And having an intimidating force in the lane.”

Willie Trill Cauley-Stein is certainly that. WCS is repeatedly talked about by NBA scouts and draft experts as having the potential of a perennial ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ candidate. The definitive best defensive player, let alone best defensive big man in this draft. Considered by some as a unique defensive talent; possibly unlike any the NBA draft has seen before.
There are few things more certain in this draft to translate to the NBA level than Cauley-Stein’s defense. And we know the Zen Master loves himself some defense. When asked recently if he could choose any player in NBA history to start his own dream team (other than Michael Jordan), he chose Bill Russell. Now full disclosure, Jackson did cite Russell’s eleven championships as the reason why. But we all know what Russell’s game was predicated on. And what made him so dominant during his career... Defense! So I ask, why would Phil’s defense-first philosophy be any different when building his actual team?

Now I’m no pioneer here in thinking that Kentucky’s defensive pogo stick could be drafted into the orange and blue this summer. Back in March, the Wall Street Journal’s Chris Herring insinuated the Knicks could take Cauley-Stein if they fell to fourth. The NY tabloids have written about the possibility multiple times. ESPN’s Dick Vitale is now on record as saying “ I think it’s going to be tough to pass on him at the four spot.” Additionally, Basketball Insiders Steve Kyler’s mock draft has the Knicks choosing Cauley-Stein. A decision that I suspect will stun the always boisterous crowd when it’s announced at the NBA Draft. Drawing plenty of boos from the Knicks faithful, who will have no doubtedly overrun the Barclay’s Center on June 25th. Only Knick fans would applaud their president when he proclaims that he will draft defense. Only to then later boo when he actually goes out and does so. But hey, it’s New York…

The purpose of this article is not to convince you that Willie Cauley-Stein is the “right” pick for the New York Knicks. It’s to get you to realize what you’ve been told all along. Unlike Phil’s tweets, it doesn’t take a secret decoder ring to decipher his plan for the Knicks upcoming draft choice.
He’s made his intentions clear multiple times. So stop wasting your time spending hours on draft sites, watching highlight reels on youtube, and concocting unlikely trade scenarios. Phil Jackson intends to take a defensive big man. The best one in the draft is expected to be on the board when the New York Knicks are on the clock. Now stop overthinking it.

Also, if you watch clips of the early 90s Chicago Bulls, Jordan and Pippen were all over the court absolutely HOUNDING opposing guards with their length. You can easily see Stein doing that. I just watched clips of them in the Finals against the Lakers and Blazers and they smothered the opposing team. That's the sort of D Stein can play for this team, albeit at a different part of the floor.

crzymdups wrote:These quotes are particularly eye-opening from Phil:

When asked recently if he could choose any player in NBA history to start his own dream team (other than Michael Jordan), he chose Bill Russell.

this second one sounds like he's describing Stein specifically:

“Gotta have a defender… That’s a good starting point — a guy like Tyson Chandler is the defensive backup that we have to have. In this day and age in our game, there are so many screen and rolls, so many 3-point shooters, so many things that a player of size has to (do). Not only cover the paint and protect the basket but he has to be able to step out defensively and play a guard. And do some defensive work on the extreme part of the floor so it’s very important that that player have defensive capabilities.” — Phil Jackson 4/2/2015

Phil has a thing for High Energy Defensive guys. Gallo, Thanasis, Acy and even that Labeyrie kid are defensive players. Amundson and Thomas get after it. Once he has his defensive anchor it will allow him to put his team together knowing he has a solid anchor to the defense. He should be able to grab a few more 2 way guys for the starting lineup. His perimeter defenders could be more aggressive knowing they have Rim Protection behind them.

Just like in football, you build your team by having a solid line on both sides. WCS is a big that can guard all 5 positions. Even Chandler can't do that. Plus he gives you high efficient scoring, without calling any plays for him. I like WCS for the same reasons why I like Winslow. But WCS will impact the game more than Winslow. He's like a bigger version of the Birdman for Miami. Every team needs at least 1 or 2 of those guys. And WCS is also taller than Towns, so he's a legit 7fter.

Kaminsky is also a great pick at 4, just not above WCS.

Picking 4th might be the best thing for this franchise, especially if Towns is slow to develop due to foul issues (which was his main issue in college). WCS was the main defensive player on that team, and will continue that role in the NBA. Monroe is a mid range shooter, so I don't think they will get in each others way. The only problem I see is in half court, but WCS should be able to clean up the offensive glass and get those alley oops when they double Melo.

Again, both Kaminsky and WCS would be a positive impact on this team. But if Phil values defense over offense, then might as well give WCS a warm welcome. Whats the best lineup for WCS and Melo to co-exist? Kaminsky is easier to see how he fits in, but with WCS, you have to pair him up with an offensive big, or....play him at center and melo at PF.

blkexec wrote:If you think about it, WCS was the defensive anchor for Kentucky. Towns was usually in foul trouble, so his minutes per game was low. WCS was truly the anchor that Phil is talking about, it wasn't Towns. Towns might have a higher ceiling, but Phil was clearly talking about WCS.

Just like in football, you build your team by having a solid line on both sides. WCS is a big that can guard all 5 positions. Even Chandler can't do that. Plus he gives you high efficient scoring, without calling any plays for him. I like WCS for the same reasons why I like Winslow. But WCS will impact the game more than Winslow. He's like a bigger version of the Birdman for Miami. Every team needs at least 1 or 2 of those guys. And WCS is also taller than Towns, so he's a legit 7fter.

Kaminsky is also a great pick at 4, just not above WCS.

Picking 4th might be the best thing for this franchise, especially if Towns is slow to progress. WCS was the main defensive player on that team, and will continue that role in the NBA. Monroe is a mid range shooter, so I don't think they will get in each others way. The only problem I see is in half court, but WCS should be able to clean up the offensive glass and get those alley oops when they double Melo.

Again, both Kaminsky and WCS would be a positive impact on this team. But if Phil values defense over offense, then might as well give WCS a warm welcome. Whats the best lineup for WCS and Melo to co-exist? Kaminsky is easier to see how he fits in, but with WCS, you have to be pair him up with an offensive big, or....play him at center and melo at PF.

I like the potential of a Monroe - Stein - Melo frontcourt. It's big and can rebound and has two high-level scorers and one elite defender. Really, Melo is still an elite scorer.

The backcourt is still a mess though. I like Galloway, but we need guards who can penetrate and shoot and pass. We saw at the trade deadline the high premium put on point guards in this league right now.

I honestly don't know where we find one. I like Khris Middleton's game a lot, but he's likely to stay in Milwaukee. I like Danny Green okay, but I really feel we need a playmaker at the SG to offset Galloway not being a big playmaker at the point. That's why I'd honestly still look into a guy like Lance Stephenson in Charlotte. We could absorb his salary and just give them Timmy Hardaway or something. But I don't know. Playmaking, penetrating guards are so important right now that they are at a premium. It'd be good to buy a second round pick to get that Brazilian PG Danilo Fuzaro or something like that.

If Phil is sold on Mudiay over Stein or Kaminsky, I'd be okay with it, but I imagine Mudiay would have to knock some socks off at the workout and during the interview process.

nixluva wrote:It's a cumulative thing. Once you have your Defensive Anchor, the more defensive talent you put on the roster the more effective they all become. Phil likes long players and we could see a massive improvement on defense with the addition of WCS in the middle. I think it's the one thing that would have the greatest impact on this team. We all know how much of a difference a healthy Tyson made. This time I can see Phil backing WCS up with a few more defensive players to make it all work at a higher level.

I'm actually really excited to see Thanasis in summer league and training camp. I have hopes for that kid.

Heck, maybe the eventual backcourt is Thanasis the lockdown SG and Alexi Shved at PG? Who knows.

nixluva wrote:I'm pretty sure Shved is coming back and unless they find a better option I think he'd be perfect in the role he played last year. Phil won't have to spend all of his money this summer to make a significant improvement IMO. We'll still have a lot of returning players. Phil mentioned 2 or 3 Free Agents so that means they'll bring back some guys from this year.

A really important area for Phil and the team this summer will be to get those cheap signings, whether it is D-League guys or cheaper veterans to build out the depth of this team. We have very little depth.

nixluva wrote:

crzymdups wrote:

blkexec wrote:If you think about it, WCS was the defensive anchor for Kentucky. Towns was usually in foul trouble, so his minutes per game was low. WCS was truly the anchor that Phil is talking about, it wasn't Towns. Towns might have a higher ceiling, but Phil was clearly talking about WCS.

Just like in football, you build your team by having a solid line on both sides. WCS is a big that can guard all 5 positions. Even Chandler can't do that. Plus he gives you high efficient scoring, without calling any plays for him. I like WCS for the same reasons why I like Winslow. But WCS will impact the game more than Winslow. He's like a bigger version of the Birdman for Miami. Every team needs at least 1 or 2 of those guys. And WCS is also taller than Towns, so he's a legit 7fter.

Kaminsky is also a great pick at 4, just not above WCS.

Picking 4th might be the best thing for this franchise, especially if Towns is slow to progress. WCS was the main defensive player on that team, and will continue that role in the NBA. Monroe is a mid range shooter, so I don't think they will get in each others way. The only problem I see is in half court, but WCS should be able to clean up the offensive glass and get those alley oops when they double Melo.

Again, both Kaminsky and WCS would be a positive impact on this team. But if Phil values defense over offense, then might as well give WCS a warm welcome. Whats the best lineup for WCS and Melo to co-exist? Kaminsky is easier to see how he fits in, but with WCS, you have to be pair him up with an offensive big, or....play him at center and melo at PF.

I like the potential of a Monroe - Stein - Melo frontcourt. It's big and can rebound and has two high-level scorers and one elite defender. Really, Melo is still an elite scorer.

The backcourt is still a mess though. I like Galloway, but we need guards who can penetrate and shoot and pass. We saw at the trade deadline the high premium put on point guards in this league right now.

I honestly don't know where we find one. I like Khris Middleton's game a lot, but he's likely to stay in Milwaukee. I like Danny Green okay, but I really feel we need a playmaker at the SG to offset Galloway not being a big playmaker at the point. That's why I'd honestly still look into a guy like Lance Stephenson in Charlotte. We could absorb his salary and just give them Timmy Hardaway or something. But I don't know. Playmaking, penetrating guards are so important right now that they are at a premium. It'd be good to buy a second round pick to get that Brazilian PG Danilo Fuzaro or something like that.

If Phil is sold on Mudiay over Stein or Kaminsky, I'd be okay with it, but I imagine Mudiay would have to knock some socks off at the workout and during the interview process.

I'm pretty sure Shved is coming back and unless they find a better option I think he'd be perfect in the role he played last year. Phil won't have to spend all of his money this summer to make a significant improvement IMO. We'll still have a lot of returning players. Phil mentioned 2 or 3 Free Agents so that means they'll bring back some guys from this year.

If we draft WCS, we DON'T need to overpay for Monroe. WCS can play both PF and Center. Melo can play bother SF and PF. Bargs is a poor man Kaminsky, so why not bring him back? Thats a very cheap way to build up our back court, with money left over for the guards and some for the following season when Durant is available.