Had they just drafted Grimes at 19, McBride at 21 and Sims at 32, we would look at their summer league performance and say they were justified at those picks. But in addition to those players, they also left with a future first round pick, a future second round pick, and a euro prospect with an early second round grade that also looked decent in a small sample size. In 2 drafts, we have seen the new MO; draft specific targeted players and determine where they will need to be selected, while extracting every bit of remaining value from those picks as possible. Knicks aren’t just taking the guys they want and going home. Leon isn’t going to the arcade and cashing out his tokens for his favorite candy and not saving the extra tokens for the next time. We can debate the players, but can’t argue that Leon and co executed their plan to perfection, even if plan A may have been Duarte in a trade up (with McBride in the 2nd.) Very encouraging summer league from the rookies who all look like future pieces on a winning team.

Add that saving 2 mill or so may have been the key in snagging kemba

And I like how they get more value in the draft picks while still betting their guy.