1) Drafted Frank Ntilikina who is an 18 year old kid who played overseas in a tough French league with grown men. He already has experience playing in a structured offense and is known for a high basketball IQ, to go along with leadership skills and defensive grittiness. He plays within a team system.
2) Drafted KP who also played overseas as a kid in the very competitive Spanish league against grown men. I think he's currently playing mind games with KP to get him to buy into the system again and what he's trying to create. He may have regressed some last year with the influence of Melo being a selfish offensive player who doesn't defend much ( I thing this is part of the reason for the sense of urgency to move on from Melo; his influence on the young players as far as bad habits).
3) Drafted Willy who played on the same Spanish team as KP against grown men. Obviously fits the concept of a system based offense and playing a certain way.
4) Signed Ron Baker as an undrafted Free Agent and ended up giving him an expanded role late last year. Baker, again, played 4 years at a winning College program and possesses all the intangible Phil is looking for: high basketball IQ, tough defender, selfless player, plays within team concept.
5) Courtney Lee: 3 and D guy who is the epitome of a role player by always playing the right way and within himself. Was one of the few Knicks last year who exceeded expectations and earned his contract showing leadership skills.
6) Lance Thomas: see C. Lee. Epitome of a team glue guy.
7) Chasson Randle: winning college player; high basketball IQ; knows the system and plays within it.
Notice a pattern here? He is selecting a certain type of profile in a player: 1) experience playing structured basketball in a system (leaning towards EURO players for this) 2) high basketball IQ 3) defensive competitiveness 4) High character guys.
He is slowly but surely trying to change the toxic culture that has existed within the franchise for the last 20 years with young players and rebuilding. I think there is a clear vision here of the team he's envisioning of putting on the court. Now if he accomplishes it is another story.
Marshall Plumlee...not a ton of talent but known for his relentless effort in practice and games.
It makes sense. The college guys he takes are not one-and-done types either, they're four yr players for the most part. Write it down now - if we get the first pick in next year's draft, we're taking Doncic over Porter.
