Published Monday-Friday
The draft
Maybe I’ve watched too many of these over the years or I study too many mock draft sites all the year long. The 2017 NBA Draft was pretty much uneventful to me. Markelle Fultz to the Celtics, Lonzo Ball to the Lakers. I was somewhat surprised Josh Jackson slipped to the Suns; I thought the Celtics would take him. Side note I muted my television at the time they placed a microphone in front of LaVar Ball, I didn't want to hear anything he had to say. John Calipari and Kentucky were in the house.
There were several trades but no blockbusters although some might place the Jimmy Butler trade in that category. Porzingis (see below), Carmelo Anthony or Paul George might occur at a later date or not at all. Although ESPN telecast the game NBA TV had crew there with analysis at the same time. This was a "young" draft with a record number of freshman being drafted. I kept switching channels to gain information from both networks. The draft is long (nearly 5 1/2 hours) but much better in my view than the NFL Draft which occurs over two or three days whatever it is.
Ego driven
Will Kristap Porzingis have another address other than MSG by the time you read this? Travel back in time with me to the middle of April each roster member had an exit interview scheduled with Phil Jackson. Porzingis failed to explain why he skipped him meeting with PJ; he remained in NYC awhile and then headed home to Latvia for the summer.
Prior to leaving Porzingis did state he wants to remain a Knick. The day of the draft and reports are PJ wishes to trade Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony. Seriously folks PJ ain’t that dumb he’s not going to trade both players. There is a further issue and its spelled E-G-O; PJ might believe Porzingis was insubordinate by his refusal to schedule an exit meeting.
Walt “Clyde” Frazier
Frazier last slipped on a number 10 Knick jersey in 1977, since that time he’s been the best point guard the Knicks have ever had. I know what you are thinking Earl “The Pearl” Monroe also played alongside Clyde. Pearl might have been the precursor to the combo guards of today he was a shooter first. For those who didn’t have the opportunity to see Clyde in action he could shoot too its just he was a point guard first. Derrick Rose at the point is a shadow of his former self besides the fact he is really a combo guard.
Mark Jackson (1987-92) might be the second best point guard to ever play for the Knicks. Late in his career Jason Kidd played for the Knicks but it was only one season. Stephon Marbury was also a combo guard who played for them 5 years. Where am I going with this account you ask? I’m glad you ask the Knicks will draft a point guard; I’m unsure if the choice is Frank Ntlikina from France or North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith. Phil Jackson or whoever is in charge of the draft might fool me but why, you can always use depth however the Knicks front court appears solid. Because this was written prior to the draft we’ll find out later tonight. NOTE: The Knicks drafted Frank Ntlikina. .
Bits n Pieces
Are you really sure you want the job might be the question? Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Chauncey Billups wants another job. It was reported earlier he was candidate to become a GM. On Monday Cavs GM David Griffin was asked to leave after three years on the job. Naturally Billups name was the first to come up. Starting with Wayne Embry back in the day successive GM’s have served shorter periods of time, the Dan Gilbert factor in full effect.
Did you catch the Jerry West press conference the other day? I didn’t see it in its entirety but there was Mr. Logo sitting next to Coach Doc Rivers discussing his basketball philosophy. I have the greatest respect for West, if he operates in the role of consultant exaclty what does that entail? Is there anyone in the Clipper front office willing to listen, several in the media claim Jerry West is in place to lure LeBron James or some other high profile free agent.
I informed you weeks ago I was no Paul George fan didn’t want him on my Lakers. A rumor has been circulating for awhile LeBron will leave Cleveland once again next year when he becomes a free agent. He and Dan Gilbert are not buddies however what purpose would this move serve? The talent difference between a Paul George and LeBron James is light years however please retire in Cleveland. It serves no purpose for you to move from team to team to team.
“You can find talent under a rock” if necessary well not quite but allow a further explanation. I was viewing NBA TV recently and David Aldridge mentioned a potential NBA player. Aldridge said; “He’s from St. Louis, guys from St. Louis know how to play.” Much as I hate to admit it the best high school basketball remains on the eastern side of the State of Missouri. That’s not to say Kansas City Metro doesn’t produce talent but nothing like that of St. Louis. An evolving story which will be developed in the future. .
