Knicks can still land top talent with fourth pick in NBA Draft

Justise Winslow, of Duke, is one player the Knicks will likely consider with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. (USATSI)

Sure, the initial disappointment from fans of the New York Knicks was expected when the team landed the fourth overall pick in the upcoming 2015 NBA Draft. Most wanted to see the Knicks with the top pick which would have given them their choice of any player in the draft.

Having the top pick would have likely landed the Knicks either Karl Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor, two big-men New York has been missing since the great Patrick Ewing.

With the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers selecting 1-2, it’s likely those players will be gone by the time the Knicks are on the clock. Many believe the 76ers will select either D’Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay with the third pick.

So, what are the Knicks left with? Well, they will still have their choice of some very talented players.

What New York needs is a player that will compliment Carmelo Anthony and give the team a chance to win immediately. Anthony’s play clock is ticking and the organization is looking to win now.

In Russell or Mudiay, the Knicks would have a play-making guard. If they prefer to grab a big man, Kentucky’s Willie Cauley-Stein will be available. If they want an explosive wing man, Duke’s Justise Winslow will be available.

Russell is highly-regarded as one of the most talented players in this draft class. He is a versatile and explosive shooting guard.

Mudiay is a point guard that played last season in China. He is an attack the basket type player that has been compared to the likes of Jason Kidd and Deron Williams.

In Cauley-Stein, the Knicks would get big-man that would likely step right in as their starting center. The down-side to the Kentucky product is his lack of talent and style on the offensive end. He would be a defensive asset, but will need grooming if he is to turn into any kind of consistent scorer.

Winslow is one of the most talented wing players in this year’s class. His stock has risen tremendously due to his role in Duke’s run to the National Championship. Winslow is a offensive threat from anywhere on the floor.

So, as you can see, the Knicks, despite not landing the top pick, are still in a good spot to land a very talented player that can help the team immediately. The preference would likely be Russell out of Ohio State, but I think the Knicks would be more than happy with Mudiay as well.