Knicks Narrow Down List As Jackson Hints At Draft Surprise
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Phil Jackson says the New York Knicks have zeroed in on a few players with the fourth overall pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft.
"We had varied opinions," the Knicks' president said Wednesday on the MSG Network. "I think there were maybe about six guys for our particular pick that were chosen by (the scouting department), and I think we've narrowed it down to three. So we're pretty content that we have a good idea of what's going to come our way."
The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers are expected to take Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor with the top two picks, respectively. Ohio State guard D'Angelo Russell is the consensus third-best player in the draft, though some believe the Philadelphia 76ers could do something unexpected with their selection.
The Knicks would likely jump at the chance to bring Russell into the fold. If he's not available, they'd be looking at a choice between Justise Winslow, Emmanuel Mudiay and Willie Cauley-Stein, or Europeans Kristaps Porzingis and Mario Hezonja.
"At four, we think we've got a player that's going to be really good," said Jackson, who preached patience with younger prospects and acknowledged that internal conversations were a bit contentious.
Asked if the Knicks could surprise their fans Thursday, Jackson immediately responded, "Yeah."
"There could be surprises all the way from 6-foot to 7-foot that would be major surprises," he said. "We're trying to take what we feel is the best potential pick, what will help this ball club out the most and go from there."
Jackson also wouldn't rule out swapping the pick.
"We're still listening to opportunities that might come our way -- and drafts sometimes do that," Jackson said. "They give you potential that you just can't walk away from. ... We're still open."
The Knicks -- after posting a franchise-worst 17-65 record -- are in rebuilding mode entering their second full season under Jackson.
