Rumors regarding the Knicks: Evaluation of Cole Anthony and Tyrese Haliburton, along with potential Chris Paul trade negotiations
New York Knicks Eyeing Chris Paul Over Cole Anthony in 2020 NBA Draft
The New York Knicks, with a long-standing need for a reliable point guard, are reportedly considering a surprising move in the 2020 NBA Draft. Instead of drafting Cole Anthony, who was considered a primary point guard prospect in the class, the Knicks are leaning towards acquiring Oklahoma City Thunder veteran point guard Chris Paul.
Chris Paul, a 35-year-old veteran, has a winning pedigree, having made the playoffs 12 out of his 15 seasons as his team's primary floor general. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Paul remains a productive point guard, shooting 50.9% from the floor during his two years at Iowa State.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have yet to see Anthony live up to expectations. Anthony struggled during his freshman year, shooting just 38% from the floor, which has led the team to reconsider drafting him. This reconsideration is particularly significant given the fact that the 2020 NBA Draft class is not particularly deep.
If the Knicks do not select Anthony, their key potential point guard options from that draft class would have been limited. Other notable guards like Tyrese Haliburton and LaMelo Ball were selected by different franchises before the Knicks' pick window. Haliburton, a versatile prospect with great passing ability and efficient shot creation, is now with the Indiana Pacers, leaving the Knicks to look elsewhere for their point guard needs.
The Knicks may still consider selecting a point guard in the draft, but the acquisition of Paul could potentially lead to a purging of selections, possibly including Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina. Marc Berman of the New York Post reports that the Knicks may not select Anthony even if they trade down to the No. 14 or 15 range.
Acquiring Paul could bring invaluable experience to the Knicks' young roster. Not only is Paul a proven performer, but he could also serve as an invaluable teacher to the Knicks' future point guard, whether that's Haliburton, Anthony, or someone else within the organization.
This potential move aligns with the new culture that Leon Rose, the new president of the Knicks, is instilling in the team. Rose is aiming for a more mature and experienced roster, and acquiring Paul would certainly fit that bill. The link between the Knicks and Paul is causing plenty of speculation, but one thing is certain: the Knicks are looking to make a splash in the 2020 NBA Draft.
The New York Knicks, instead of drafting Cole Anthony as a primary point guard prospect, are reportedly considering acquiring Oklahoma City Thunder veteran point guard Chris Paul. With Paul's acquisition, the Knicks can potentially bring invaluable experience to their young roster, as he could serve as a mentor to future point guards within the team.
