"We like the size of this young man, we like his aptitude for the game, athleticism, actually the ability to incorporate himself in a winning type of a situation", Jackson said shortly after the Knicks took Ntilikina with their first-round pick. He could trade down to cut a bit of salary, pick up a player the Celtics still like, and continue adding to the chest of future draft picks.
On Thursday, the 2017 #Nba Draft arrived in Brooklyn, #New York, and the Knicks were amongst the teams mentioned in hot trade rumors. For now, Porzingis remains at the core of the team, along with another young 7-footer from Europe, Willy Hernangomez, who not long ago was playing with Porzingis in Spain.
However, it looks like the Knicks are asking for the Celtics to give up the farm to make this happen.
Draft picks and trades, however, may have to be the Knicks' method of rebuilding, because from the sounds of it, they won't do too well in the free-agent market. Either way, Jackson is in the driver's seat come Thursday night, but not for the reasons he thinks he is. Clearly, Phil Jackson isn't so sure.
Even if the Knicks hold on to Porzingis, the two sides will need to fix their relationship. Jackson might genuinely be a saboteur working for another team.
NBA Draft: Lakers looking to acquire another first rounder
With Thomas, though, the Celtics didn't necessarily need a point guard - which is the piece Philadelphia apparently wanted most . I have always said I don't care what we call him "point guard, ' 'point forward" - we can call him 'point center.' I don't care.
In the end, the Knicks and Jackson hung onto Porzingis, along with the number eight pick and took Frank Ntilikina from France. This shouldn't come as a surprise, as the 7-foot-3 Knicks' star averaged 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and two blocks per contest a year ago.
But again, Porzingis is just 21-years-old and loaded with potential. But he's had trouble staying healthy. He averaged 19.4 points per game this season for the Wildcats. Scouts say his shot has improved over the season with Strasbourg. North Carolina State's Dennis Smith, who had met with the Knicks, was also available.
Likewise, Wojnarowski reported, even prior to the trade speculation, that Porzingis has taken note of more functional National Basketball Association franchises and how he hasn't been put in position to succeed in NY or be built around as the future star of the team.
Jackson, however, has made big trades the day before the draft twice in the last three years. With calls coming in, the Knicks may consider moving Porzingis.
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