Almost twenty years to the day that the Knicks selected Patrick Ewing they will attempt to find their next franchise center. With Kurt Thomas reportedly on his way out of town, the Knicks will have Michael Sweetney and not much else in the front court next year and will be keeping their fingers crossed that Channing Frye falls to them at the eighth pick. If Frye is gone, the Knicks may turn to Fran Vazquez, a 6’11” center from Spain or defy expectations and take prep star, Gerald Green. The Knicks also hold the 30th pick in the first round.
Unlike the Knicks, the Nets do not have a definite need heading into the draft. Someone who could shoot from the outside, a point guard to spell Jason Kidd, or a big man could be their focus, but they may also go for the infamous “best player available” with the fifteenth selection. Jarret Jack, a point guard with a good jumper could get a look, as could Sean May and Hakim Warrick if they are still available when the Nets pick.
The NBA Draft takes place tonight at 7:30 and will be covered by ESPN. For those of you with rooting interests outside of the NYC area, Kyle Gustafson at DCist has done an excellent mock draft of the entire first round.
