New York Knicks 2005 Draft Preview

The Knicks are set in the backcourt, as they have Stephon Marbury and Jamal Crawford. Marbury led the team in scoring (21.7 ppg) and assists (8.1 apg), while Crawford averaged 17.7 points and 4.3 helpers.

Tim Thomas and Mike Sweetney anchor the frontline. Sweetney can score down low and is a solid rebounder, while Thomas can play both forward spots. New York is still responsible for the big contracts of Anfernee Hardaway and Allan Houston. The two guards played a total of 57 games last season (Hardaway-37, Houston-20).

New York’s president of basketball operations Isiah Thomas would love to be able to select a frontcourt player who can add some energy and athleticism to the roster. Syracuse’s Hakim Warrick or Connecticut’s Charlie Villanueva could be attractive to the Knicks. Arizona center Channing Frye may also be enticing for the Knicks, as he would give an athletic player to fill the middle.

However, Isiah Thomas will probably work the phones all night to see if he can move up in the draft or even trade his pick for a veteran that is proven. New York would love to get rid of some of its big contracts, and it would be a surprise if the Knicks weren’t involved in some rumored deals.

Key Player(s): Jamal Crawford (Guard), Anfernee Hardaway (Guard), Allan Houston (Guard), Stephon Marbury (Guard), Malik Rose (Forward), Mike Sweetney (Forward), Tim Thomas (Forward).

Team Needs: A center, more all-around help in the frontcourt.

Draft picks: 1st round (8th overall), 1st round (30th overall), 2nd round (54th overall).