Top Three Knick Draft Scenarios

The New York Knicks had its worst season in franchise history last season, it's going to take more than one lottery pick to get the the kings of New York City back to an elite level. At this point the only player that President Phil Jackson knows will be a starter on his team next season is Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony is essentially untradable because of his max contract, which has him signed on through 2017-18 with a player option in 2018-19. Now would I be opposed to trading Melo for a first round pick, and another prospect? No. The only good thing about Melo being locked up into next season's roster is, you know your forward position is settled. This will allow the Knicks to pick the best player available.

Let's check out the Knicks top three realistic options at the No.4 position.

The Predicted: Emmanuel Mudiay

There's only a few things we know about Emmanuel Mudiay; the guy is an athletic freak of nature, he can score the basketball, and he has the defensive intangibles to keep up with top guards.

Last year he skipped college to play professionally in China and only played in 12 games because of an ankle injury. His numbers (18.0 PPG, 5.9 APG and 6.3 RPG) were impressive, it's just always a risk when judging NCAA versus overseas talent.

If I knew that the Knicks were going to be committed to getting a athletic big-man this offseason, such as a Greg Monroe, Mudia would be my hands down pick.

Stock Rising Pick: Justice Winslow

ESPN NY's Ian Begley reported yesterday that, League sources familiar with the team's thinking said after the workout that Winslow is "definitely in play" for the Knicks.. The sources said the Knicks provided "positive feedback" to Winslow after he put forth a strong performance in the workout.

Winslow could be a safe, and an immediate impact on this Knicks roster. He would give the Knicks options of how they want to come out in the upcoming season. While Winslow played the 3 position at Duke, they have a all-star named Carmelo Anthony at that position. It's known that Melo likes to play the 4 position, as he did in the Olympics, and most of the season last year.

With his big build, ability to get to the rim, and his also being a product of arguably the best coach to ever pick up a basketball, will definitely have him on Phil's big board come draft day.

Worst Idea: Trade Down

This is being called the deepest draft class in years, some even comparing it to the amazing 2003 class.

Phil Jackson could use this to his advantage, completing a swap that gets the Knicks a combination of later picks and/or a later pick packaged with a veteran player. When player like  Willie Cauley-Stein and/or Cameron Payne could stand to fit in Phil's beloved triangle offense.

The Knicks are also said to be in love with Kentucky's hybrid big man Trey Lyles. Lyles, played both forward spots at Kentucky.He has the size at 6'10" to play mostly power forward in the league. Lyles could also be a good fit in the triangle, as he can play with his back to the basket or in the high post area, and is considered a good deep shooter.

Overall the Knicks need talent and a lot of it. The best choice is to keep the No.4 pick and go get the best talented guy that is there. Don't over think the pick, and please Phil don't try to outsmart  everyone else, because it hasn't worked out for you so far.