Knicks · Bold unpopular prediction: We will draft Luke Kennard (page 1)

Has all the things that I think both Hornachek and Phil like.

Skills -
Great shooter.
Willing and capable passer.
Ballhandling Guard skills for a 2.
Fits in system basketball.
Tries on defense
Athleticism is underrated draft work outs show he was more athletic than percieved

Character.
Good teammate
Willing to play in system basketball
Unselfish
Team first
Hustle guy

Baker/Kennard backcourt will make everyone boo initially, but when they actually play together fans will appreciate the effort and team skills.

It's a rebuild year anyway, and after a year of Melo/Rose, I'm open to anything but I wouldn't be surprised if we went with Luke Kennard in the end over Monk/Nti. Luke has lots of similar things to Dragic, and Hornachek loves players like that. We look at a guy like Baker how he thrived with basically D league talent. I think Phil and Horny are going to see a guy that will do all the things Baker can only with actual starter talent, and much better offense.

Been reading and following this draft plenty, I think we go with Kennard. Lakers want to try and trade into the top 10 to get him. Seems he really did great in his workouts and showed more athleticism than people percieve. Just a hunch and I exepct Kristaps like boos, but I think we go with Luke on draft night if draft order is how I think (Fultz, Ball, Tatum, Isaac, Fox, Jackson all off board). I think we value this guy over DSj, Nti and Monk.

I can see it happening too and it would be far from the worst thing to add a Dragic type of player.

I think it is Monk, Smith, or Frank. But the Knicks ave worked out a lot of points that are not lottery picks.

please add a 2nd pick.

A Dragic type would be great

reub wrote:I can see it happening too and it would be far from the worst thing to add a Dragic type of player.

He's more like a combo guard version of Hayward.
I just see him flourishing under Horny and with Phil overlooking for 2 more years.

A big 3 of KP, Willy, Kennard would score, but they would need great defensive playrs around them.

reub wrote:I can see it happening too and it would be far from the worst thing to add a Dragic type of player.

Dragic? You guys see Dragic in him?

The biggest question marks NBA people have about Kennard undoubtedly revolve around his defense. He has an unappealing combination of short arms, average lateral quickness, and a just-decent frame that already puts him at a significant disadvantage right off the bat. He compounded that this past season by demonstrating a distinctly low energy level, playing with very little urgency and getting lost off the ball frequently, although some of those issues plagued the entire Duke team as a whole. Regardless, there are real concerns about whether Kennard is the type of player a NBA team will need to hide on that end of the floor, as he's probably not quick enough to defend most guards, and seemingly lacks the length to contain bigger wing players. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Luke-Kennard-72914/ ©DraftExpress

I see him as a Kyle Korver kind of player. I've been hoping that the Knicks are going to build a team that's effective defensively. When you have a weak link on defense (like Derrick Rose) teams will exploit that. I'd pass on Kennard.

if phil said defensive was the main thing i doubt he would pick him at eight, but who knows

"10. Kings
Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
If Sacramento is going to take a point guard who can't shoot with the fifth pick, it makes sense to take somebody who can with the 10th. So Kennard makes sense here. The 6-6 guard was among college basketball's biggest breakout stars this season while averaging 19.5 points and shooting 43.8 percent from 3-point range for a Duke team that won the ACC Tournament. He's one of the hottest names in this draft right now because of an impressive pro day during which Kennard blew scouts away with his ability to make long jumpers from basically everywhere on the court."
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2017-fultz-still-goes-no-1-to-sixers-celtics-to-snag-jackson/

I like Kennard too but I think that Frank N is going to the pick

We need to sign a player with star potential not a high quality role player.

reub wrote:"10. Kings
Luke Kennard, SG, Duke
If Sacramento is going to take a point guard who can't shoot with the fifth pick, it makes sense to take somebody who can with the 10th. So Kennard makes sense here. The 6-6 guard was among college basketball's biggest breakout stars this season while averaging 19.5 points and shooting 43.8 percent from 3-point range for a Duke team that won the ACC Tournament. He's one of the hottest names in this draft right now because of an impressive pro day during which Kennard blew scouts away with his ability to make long jumpers from basically everywhere on the court."
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2017-fultz-still-goes-no-1-to-sixers-celtics-to-snag-jackson/

If he wasn't being guarded, then its nothing to write home about. I agree Kennard probably could be had lower in the draft. Phil should definitely try to trade down, and get some more picks if thats his choice. Has a flavor of the week feel to this pick though.

Im guessing at least one player we didn't expect will fall to us a 8. Dont want to see Phil pass up a quality player who falls to us at 8, in favor of drafting a reach at 8. Dont want to hear that the offense was the main consideration for such a move.

BRIGGS wrote:I like Kennard too but I think that Frank N is going to the pick

I like kennard as well, but frank screams Phil I also want frank at 8!

If we could somehow get the pistons to trade us # 12 and take kennard our backcourt would be looking a lot better! Phil should go sign Livingston as a back up

Frenchy,Livingston
Kennard,baker

The question is what are we willing to give the pistons?

No way do you take Kennard at 8...Trade back and get another contributor. In no way can we come out of this draft with Kennard being the only player guaranteed a roster spot...

I think we should consider trading down to 10 to get an additional minor asset from Sacramento for swapping 8/10.
He reminds me much more of Gordan Hayward or a less explosive Harden than he does Redick.
Skill wise he's a sure fire lottery pick. The athletic tests show he has a vertical of 38.5 and he's moved up 8-10 spots in the draft after outplaying players 1 on 1 and in the athletic tests. He's underrated heading into the draft and now people have seen his real ability.
I think if he develops and works hard, he is a very good scorer in the league in a few years, along the lines of Gordan Hayward (18-20 a night with some passing).

What I worry about Nti is that he's a role player on offense or whether he can truly carry the load on offense. I can't say I've seen enough of him against elite level competition. If Phil and Gaines are sold, I'm on board. I trust they have more information.

I don't think Kennard will be a role player on offense. Immediately, he'll be in the CLee spot, and he seems to have more skills than CLee.
He's either going to develop into a top 3 scorer on his team, or a stand out spot up shooter 4th option. That's his floor.
There's always that chance the guy you draft busts. That's a concern with anyone, Kennard doesn't avoid that.
What I like about Kennard's "bust" potential is that at worst you get a great spot up shooter who has a high IQ. That's a starting 2 guard in the league on a team with a good point guard. His floor is if a great spot up guy that can pass, which in my opinion is one of the most valued skills in the NBA right now.

I just think he fits in great right away. There isn't a single skill on offense this team requires that Kennard can't do. Guys like that tend to develop well when in the right system and siuation. I don't know why, but I think we're strongly considering Kennard because we don't "love" Monk and Nti has many ?? about his offense.

Monk is another guy with lots of great shooting skill who has 18-20 points a night scoring potential. The difference in Monk and Kennard in what I've seen is I think Kennard will be a more willing passer and higher IQ guy that adjusts to the Triangle much quicker. I think he will bond with Horny. Whether we like it or not Horny's the coach and Phil's running the show. You want guys in who blend in with management's vision. I feel Kennard is that guy moreso than Monk, or Nti or DSJ,

Get an additional minor asset if Kennard's a 10th pick. Most insider talk is that Kennard won't last past 10 right now. Don't take the guys who either won't have the offense (Nti) or won't buy in easily (DSJ). Take the shooters who are willing passers that will fit in system basketball right away as that's what you want to run. I'm hoping for Kennard or Monk, and think Kennard will fit in best with Horny/Phil.

We gotta ask ourselves, who has moved up most in this draft. I think it's Luke. With reason. He's more athletic than everyone thought. He's burning players 1 on 1 in work outs. His shot is incredible. He has some point skills with a great shooting guard skillset. In today's league a player like this is a 4th option at worst, and a very decent chance at being a top 3 option for a team. I think as unpopular as it may be, a good pick this will be for us.

I'm high on Monk and I believe Phil and his scouts are too. Monk is used to moving the ball and cutting rather than holding the. Monk groomed as a Triangle Guard will be very comfortable with Jeff's Early O and also playing Triangle Off the Ball Actions. Monk has better lateral quickness than Kennard so IMO Monk would be better as a defender despite his lack of height.

nixluva wrote:I'm high on Monk and I believe Phil and his scouts are too. Monk is used to moving the ball and cutting rather than holding the. Monk groomed as a Triangle Guard will be very comfortable with Jeff's Early O and also playing Triangle Off the Ball Actions. Monk has better lateral quickness than Kennard so IMO Monk would be better as a defender despite his lack of height.

Both as of today will struggle on defense but of the two I think Monk has more defensive potential.
What concerns me about Monk is that he seems very high on himself. Not that confidence is a bad thing. I just feel he's a guy who will look too much for his own shot instead of making the right team play. A little JR Smith like,

Kennard I feel is the one that will actually adapt and adjust his game. Look for the open man. I've scouted both players extensively and think Kennard is the better fit for what Phil wants to do and Kennard is a better fit with Horny. Talent wise, I don't think Kennard is on par with DSJ, or Monk. No arguments on that. I just think if we really want to be Spurs like, we have to believe in the system 100% and get players that buy in 100%. Kennard will, in my opinion. Monk, I feel especially with the hype in NY will quickly begin to believe in his star power and brand - thus playing selfishly very quickly into his Knicks career.

If I'm looking at players that fit what we want to do I think it's Tatum, Ball, Kennard, Isaac and Lauri of the rumored top 10/12 picks. I'm tired of having Knicks struggle with running a system that won championships and to buy in. I want players that fit and will buy in 100%. I think that's Tatum, Ball, Isaac, Kennard, Lauri of the top 12 picks. Nti and Monk can fit, but it would be a little forced in my opinion. Just look at Baker and Sasha last year how easy it was for them to play. Free flowing. The guys I'm looking at are players that will play like that only with much greater skills and talent. I am sick of watching confusion, ball stopping and lack of commitment to the program. Lets do this right.

nyknickzingis wrote:

nixluva wrote:I'm high on Monk and I believe Phil and his scouts are too. Monk is used to moving the ball and cutting rather than holding the. Monk groomed as a Triangle Guard will be very comfortable with Jeff's Early O and also playing Triangle Off the Ball Actions. Monk has better lateral quickness than Kennard so IMO Monk would be better as a defender despite his lack of height.

Both as of today will struggle on defense but of the two I think Monk has more defensive potential.
What concerns me about Monk is that he seems very high on himself. Not that confidence is a bad thing. I just feel he's a guy who will look too much for his own shot instead of making the right team play. A little JR Smith like,

Kennard I feel is the one that will actually adapt and adjust his game. Look for the open man. I've scouted both players extensively and think Kennard is the better fit for what Phil wants to do and Kennard is a better fit with Horny. Talent wise, I don't think Kennard is on par with DSJ, or Monk. No arguments on that. I just think if we really want to be Spurs like, we have to believe in the system 100% and get players that buy in 100%. Kennard will, in my opinion. Monk, I feel especially with the hype in NY will quickly begin to believe in his star power and brand - thus playing selfishly very quickly into his Knicks career.

If I'm looking at players that fit what we want to do I think it's Tatum, Ball, Kennard, Isaac and Lauri of the rumored top 10/12 picks. I'm tired of having Knicks struggle with running a system that won championships and to buy in. I want players that fit and will buy in 100%. I think that's Tatum, Ball, Isaac, Kennard, Lauri of the top 12 picks. Nti and Monk can fit, but it would be a little forced in my opinion. Just look at Baker and Sasha last year how easy it was for them to play. Free flowing. The guys I'm looking at are players that will play like that only with much greater skills and talent. I am sick of watching confusion, ball stopping and lack of commitment to the program. Lets do this right.

I understand this point of view but I would say that the Totally Selfless guys should be added with the LATER picks! I don't want to pick at 8 a guy that's basically a Role Player. Monk has Star potential and you need that at the top of your team. Monk was the PRIMARY scorer for his Kentucky team and that actually opened things up for the other guys who really weren't 3pt shooters or individual shot creators. Monk was able to stretch the floor for them.

On the Knicks Monk can play as a threat with or without the ball to a much higher degree than Kennard. Monk can push the ball in transition better IMO. It's not just about the Half Court. Monk willingly gave up the ball and played off the ball most of the time. He's actually pretty good as a PnR ball handler. He was in the 85th percentile in the NCAA. They didn't use him that way enough but in NY he'd be able to use PnR and Drag Screens much more often.

Defense will be the deciding factor to who the Knicks draft.

Vmart wrote:Defense will be the deciding factor to who the Knicks draft.

Yes Defense will be very important but they won't just go after a kid at #8 that can't be productive on both sides. Also I think they realize that you have to have STAR level talent at the top of your Rotation and not just a bunch of Role Players. You're not beating Lebron or KD with just a bunch of Role Players and Phil knows this.

This isn't happening without a trade down. But I don't think its going to happen at all.