It's NBA draft week and the rumor mill is full speed ahead. It's safe to say, but I don't agree fully, that the following players are set to go 1 through 3.
Jabari Smith Jr. | PF Auburn
Chet Holmgren | F/C Gonzaga
Paolo Banchero | PF Duke
That leads to No. 4, and it seems that guy is Jade Ivey, which should come to no surprise. He is one of the most talented guards in the entire draft, and in a different world, he is in the top three.
He averaged 17.3 points per game alongside 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. The Purdue Sophomore shot 46% from the field and 35.8% for three. Ivey provides a mix of upside and certainty that no other prospects outside of the top three appear to offer.
The Kings aren't sold on his talents or have provided interest in the 4th pick and Ivey also said the following. “I haven’t been in contact with them, didn’t work out for them. I’m kind of just letting this process handle itself."
Well hello then. Kings want out and the Knicks need a PG of the future. It's time for them to get their guy. The Kemba Walker experiment is over. Alec Burks is not a PG1. DRose is the perfect 6th man.
The Knicks have gauged interest and according to SNY's Ian Begley, "People in touch with Sacramento say that in the clubs conversation with New York, the Knicks have talked about offering multiple first round picks in a package for No.4. It's not known what players were offered, but it wasn't enough to lock in a deal"
I think the Knicks should seize the opportunity, but not overspend and oversell their assets.
My best offer?
Julius Randle
Kemba Walker
11th overall pick - 2022
2023 1st Rounder (either NYK or DAL)
You can throw in some second rounders too to sweeten it. I am so reluctant to trade Obi Toppin. I've said in the past that RJ Barrett is the only untouchable, but I feel as though Toppin is a close second. This offer is a win for the Kings, who get a proven vet and two 1st rounders. Pairing Ivey with RJ would be an unreal duo and a dynamic pairing that could grow into a championship cornerstone.
I love Julius Randle and don't regret the Knicks signing him to that deal. He was an MVP candidate, an All-Star, and the reason the Knicks broke their playoff draught. I think he still has plenty to offer, but if the team is moving in a different direction, then I am okay make the transition out of the Randle era.
My ideal rotation
PG: Jaden Ivey - Derrick Rose - Miles McBride
SG: RJ Barrett - Immanuel Quickley - Quentin Grimes
SF: Cam Reddish - Evan Fournier - Alec Burks
PF: Obi Toppin - Carmelo Anthony
C: Myles Turner - Nerlens Noel - Jericho Sims
I still love Julius Randle, but his contract seems to be on the move, and I would be okay with that. I don't know how Myles Turner gets here. Maybe a future first plus sign and trade for Mitch? And yes... I did sneak in Carmelo Anthony in there, because why not, I'd love the reunion?
This is my NBA 2k dream build that is realistic. No big flashy moves, but effective in building something for the future. Make it happen Leon Rose, make it happen!
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