Phil Jackson's Blueprint for the 2017 NBA Draft

With a combined 80-166 win-loss record over the past three seasons, it is safe to say that the Knicks are not where they want to be as a franchise. The team went through a massive overhaul in the summer of 2016, but the moves have clearly blown back in their faces, to say the least. Joakim Noah, who inked a four-year, $72 million deal, flamed out after 46 games and faces a questionable future in New York. Derrick Rose, brought to the Knicks in a trade with the Bulls, was impressive, but will likely walk via free agency in a few weeks.

The Knicks quickly became the laughingstock of the NBA, as a result of incidents involving Charles Oakley, Carmelo Anthony, and Kristaps Porzingis, among others. The future of the franchise is currently at a crossroads, and it up to GM Phil Jackson to clean the mess up. With the NBA Draft right around the corner, Jackson will face some tough decisions. While it is doubtful that he goes on a trade frenzy tonight, let’s take a look at a few logical moves that the Knicks should make that would lead them in the right direction.

Get what you can for Carmelo Anthony

Despite my sympathy for Anthony, I truly believe that it is time to move on from the 33-year old forward. Apparently, Jackson agrees, as he recently told Ian Begley of ESPN.com that the 11-time All-Star would be “better of somewhere else.” The issue is Anthony loves New York, and he possesses a no-trade clause that allows him to control his own destiny.

While he is no longer a dominant NBA player, Anthony would be an excellent scoring option for any contending organization. Right now, teams are chasing after the Pacers’ Paul George and Bulls’ Jimmy Butler, but it is possible that the Knicks swoop in and dangle Anthony. With the possibility of a contract buy-out still at large, New York should not be greedy with their incoming trade offers. Get something for Anthony while you still can and allow him to play with a contender for the final seasons of his prime.

Be smart with the No.8 Pick

Two years ago, Phil Jackson shocked New York when he selected Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth overall draft selection. The pick has been a huge success so far, and it appears that the team is keeping a close eye on other international talent, particularly Frank Ntilikina. The 18-year old has spent time in the Euroleague for parts of the past three seasons, and projects to have plus athleticism, length and on-court IQ. Like Porzingis, Ntilikina will need time to develop, so he represents more of a long-term gamble.

One player that has risen in recent mock drafts is Kentucky guard Malik Monk. Last year, the freshman racked up 19.8 PPG while shooting 39% from three-point range. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 197 lbs, he has drawn comparisons to J.R. Smith, but some believe that he has the capability of running an offense. Monk has garnered the reputation as a streaky shooter, but contains a certain explosiveness that NBA scouts have salivated over.

The Knicks have also remained in close contact with Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen, North Carolina State guard Dennis Smith Jr., and Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell. Assuming that Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, Jayson Tatum and Jonathan Isaac are off the board at No.8, the Knicks really cannot go wrong the any of the aforementioned players. In my opinion, however, the team should prioritize their big board as follows:

1. Malik Monk
2. Frank Ntilikina
3. Dennis Smith Jr.
4. Donovan Mitchell
5. Lauri Markkanen

With Porzingis and Wily Hernangomez predicted to have an enormous impact on the long-term state of the franchise, the New York must avoid drafting another big man. Play it smart by selecting a floor general or shooter to potentially compensate for the loss of Carmelo Anthony.

Acquire more draft picks

Earlier this month, reports came out saying that the Knicks and Trail Blazers were talking trades, but so far nothing has been finalized. Portland currently has a trio of first-round picks, but are on the hook for over $137 million in their payroll heading into the 2017-18 season. The Knicks match up nicely as a trade partner due to their anticipated salary cap space, so it is feasible to imagine these two teams pairing up for a deal by tonight.

The Trail Blazers currently have several “dead weight” contracts, including Moe Harkless (3 years, $30 million), Allen Crabbe (3 years, $56 million), Meyers Leonard (3 years, $10 million) and Evan Turner (3 years, $56 million). For a team that is in contention-mode, it would be wise to explore their options in unloading any of the preceding players.

Of-course, Portland is not the only team with this issue, so it will be up to the Knicks to work around the clock to find the right trade partners. New York could, in theory, dangle role players such as Kyle O’Quinn and Lance Thomas, and even their starting shooting guard, Courtney Lee, for future assets, but the market for their services is unknown.

Either way, Phil Jackson needs to do whatever he can to stock up on draft picks, especially if the team commits to a full-rebuild next year.

Do NOT trade Kristaps Porzingis

I don’t even know why this needs to be said, but the Knicks would be foolish to trade Kristaps Porzingis. Since his infamous booing on draft night, the 21-year old has captured the imagination of the entire city of New York through his unbelievable play and humble upbringings. He will be a future perennial All-Star in the league if he stays healthy, and the fact that the Knicks are merely considering offers for the Latvian native makes me sick.

I get it. Porzingis upset the front office last month when he skipped the exit interviews, and he has been noticeably unhappy about the state of the franchise. It would be disappointing if Jackson trades away his sole youthful asset as a result of that player failing to fall in line with the team philosophy.

Also, logically speaking, what else could the Knicks want? Porzingis is still years away from even entering his prime and has already emerged as a beloved icon in the New York metropolitan area. If Jackson trades him, the fall-out from the fanbase would be catastrophic, and rightfully so, as the two-year player represents the best home-grown player since over three decades ago when the team brought in Patrick Ewing.

Conclusion

Jackson needs to keep an open-mind during tonight's draft. Every player not-named Kristaps Porzingis should be available via trade, as it would be huge if the franchise managed to bring additional youth assets into the mix. Drafting the right player at No. 8 will be the first hurdle for the Knicks front office, but from there it really could go a million different ways.