Skip to main content

5 Quick Knicks Draft 2022 Thoughts - "We're Not There Yet"

Well, the New York Knicks certainly do not disappoint in whatever they do in this stretch of anxiety-ridden mediocrity for the fanbase. 

I had hope going into this season. That was eventually snuffed out with that horrid stretch in March. Then for some reason, I felt like maybe - just maybe - things would break for us in the Lottery. And for a brief second on draft night, especially once you could connect (in your hopelessly, imaginative mind) the pieces from the reports of all the reputable journalists, that maybe - again, just maybe! - we were going to get Jaden Ivy. 

Ummm, yeah. Strike one. Strike two. Strike three. 

With all of that said, I'm still here, and I'm still longing for that moment when NBA Champions and New York Knicks will be in the same sentence. Until then, I'm here continuing to vent through these words on this site.

 Here are five really quick thoughts from the NBA Draft, most notably from a Knicks fan. 

PATIENCE IS NEEDED

I know. I know. I'm also the guy that is no longer a fan of "tanking" seasons as part of the rebuild. However, I do think what Leon Rose and Co. pulled off on draft night wasn't exactly a failure. Uninspiring? Yes. Unsexy? Absolutely. However, the organization is now LOADED with draft picks and does have some cap space (that dreaded concept) again for flexibility, or to pull that trigger for when an opportunity arises (Donovan Mitchell? Zion Williamson?). 

It's easy to get lured in by the media who loves them some "Knicks for Clicks" content (more on that in a bit), but the continued move of shedding some salary, allowing more opportunity for RJ Barrett and the young core to get some run, and maybe adding a serviceable point guard isn't unreasonable. 

It's just not making splashy headlines NBA fans like to grade off-season progress on. 

I really, really, really (really!) wanted Ivey. But this front office couldn't land him (do you blame Detroit for not buying on moving him?), and at the same time, this front office wasn't in love with anyone else. So why waste the pick? And the yes, cap hold it comes with? 

SOBERING AND HUMBLING

It's not like the Knicks didn't attempt to trade up to four or five to acquire Ivey. However, as mentioned by Alan Hahn, there just wasn't a deal to be had. Nothing on our roster is as attractive as we Knick fans think they are. That's not just sobering and humbling, but it definitely is an ode to continue building and developing. 

Translation: we're not there yet.

And even I can admit - damn, that hurts to accept. Especially when we adore some current homegrown and studs found in recent drafts.

WHERE ARE WE GOING? 

So this is where I do have some issues. Leon and Co. (their unofficial name here at the DP) attached picks in order to clean up the mess they created just last year in signing Kemba Walker. Again, no one panned the move last year and it was overwhelmingly considered worth the risk (myself included). At times, parts of the fanbase were not happy with the benching of Walker and felt he had more to give in-season (not me). 

And with reports of us looking to move Alec Burks, Taj Gibson, Nerlens Noel, and others who just two years ago were considered quality role pieces in sustaining what was a trending upward direction, we're now looking to move them?

The other mind-boggling concept? The focus is on acquiring Jalen Brunson when we have yet to allow Immanuel Quickley to develop, along with the thought of Derrick Rose's return.

I honestly couldn't tell you - and neither can any Knicks fan - what the clear direction is here other than roster flexibility.

RANDLE'S HOUSE

I did not (and do not) believe that Julius Randle would be traded this season. I very much always believed the Knicks would roll the dice on seeing if they can get back the 2nd NBA-All-Team version of Ju. I hate to say it, but I have been in this camp as well. Randle isn't as bad as he was last year - he just can't be. And if he is, that 2020-21 season is going to be one of the rarest performances in sports. 

With that said, I do believe the keys are RJ's to drive the bus. It needs to be. 

KNICKS FOR CLICKS

I was not a fan of the NBA Draft coverage by ESPN. As a Knicks fan, the continued narrative of attempting to be funny towards the Knicks fan base and history has grown old, and in some ways annoying. Especially, since there were some high-level discussions that could have been had. But you know...it is what it is. 

I kind of miss high-level sports discussion on mainstream entities, but it seems we only get that from the podcast sphere these days. 

Labels:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

The Last Decision - Why Lebron to Philly is Amazing

LeBron finally made his last decision, and yet, at 41 years old, in the year of our lord, 2026 - here we all are with our own opinion on his next chapter. It's quite amazing. The run. The career. The longevity of relevance. All of it. Sooooooooo, he's headed to the Philadelphia 76ers. [commence rant and hot takes] Not really. I gave the "Last Decision," as dubbed by James, some time to breathe, to take in the reality of it, the basketball side, and of course, the sports discourse, and I find myself with the following reaction:  LeBron James is amazing.  That's it?! Come on, bro! Really, that is it. That's it!  At first, I thought the Knicks' championship still had me delirious (Knicks in five, babayyy!). But as time went on and the discussions roared, annoyed, and carried on into some tired themes and rhetoric, I kept finding myself back in a place of awe and amazement at the entire thing. This dude is 41 years old, and he is still dictating so much of th...
Read more

WWE SummerSlam 2026 Review: "Oba is made in the shade" & Roman vs. Seth Captures Magic

I can't say I was excited about SummerSlam heading into the event. Some storylines have moved me, but, much like pro wrestling in 2026, it feels like yet another incomplete creative vehicle (some good, some bad), with the hope that the event itself will overcome the shortcomings of the hype.  Admittedly, WWE could pull this off this weekend with some memorable moments (and outcomes), specifically from the two main title matches and from Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar. Maybe a return or two as well. Chances are, they likely will.  Personally, I have Penta vs. Chad Gable circled. I might be the only one, I know.  Nonetheless, happy SummerSlam weekend, everyone.  --- Random Tidbits Is it me, or were the overall vibes going into this year's SummerSlam just...well, off? I've already cited build, but there was just something else...ah well.  I know attendance is always a discussion point, but 30K+ is still pretty dam impressive for each night.  The stage was VERY impr...
Read more