The Knicks look like a team and Front Office that know what they are doing. This is a surprising notion to have given the recent history of the franchise. Be that as it may, the New York Knickerbockers are finally trending the the right direction. Let's get to know the newest #FizKids
With the 3rd overall selection, RJ Barrett was selected and the Knicks fans in attendance in Brooklyn actually CHEERED for the selection. This is a huge deal since basically everything since the Crying Knicks Fan appeared at the Porzingis draft pick has been met with boo's and notable trepidation. Anyway back to the future: Barrett is a 6'7" 205lb Shooting Guard who averaged 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 30.8 percent from behind the arc. That 3 point percentage will need to improve if he wants to be able to use his body and penetrate to the rim, defenders will need to respect his outside shot. I am in no way worried about any improvements RJ will need to make, he has terminal "Mamba Mentality". Being an NBA ready prospect is a great foundation but when it comes to the work that needs to be put in, having that Kobe Bryant level focus is a great place to build from.
The Knicks moved up to 47 while swapping picks (and cash) with the Sacramento Kings to draft Ignas Brazdeikis. Some of you may remember Iggy as the villain of March Madness, trolling fans and opponents after made shots, fouls and defensive stands, he was the NCAA's Conor McGregor and you know what, I am all for it! If he wasn't as good as he is, people would hate it a lot more. Fun fact about Iggy is that he and RJ played on the U17 Canadian national team and were the teams top 2 scorers. THAT is what I call due diligence! Hopefully the chemistry and production can be replicated, and if not, he will no doubt bring some grit and swagger back to The Garden and get the crowd into it when he flexes after a dunk or steals the "3-to-the-dome" Carmelo celebration. I for one, can't wait to see him mix it up with the likes of Steven Adams and Patrick Beverly.
The Knicks also had a great post-draft night signing D-II star Amir Hinton out of Shaw University who, if he gets to play with the big club could have some Alonzo Trier success being such a pure scorer, do not hold your breath waiting for him to get the call up however, he was signed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the G-League but his play in Summer League will be fun to watch. UCLA's Kris Wilkes is another tremendous signing given his ability to drain 3's off the dribble, attack the basket and being a very solid defensive player. His 2-way deal will net him some time in Manhattan while he perfects his raw skillset with regular minutes against better competition than he saw in college.
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