Each day up until the NBA Draft on Thursday, June 25, I will be taking control of an NBA franchise to select its next star (it seems in this classes case, its next seventh man).8. New York Knicks — James Harden, G, Arizona State
What has more potholes than the streets of New York City? Damn, you guessed it.
How did former President of Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas leave the city alive? Thomas should be prisoned for what he did to the proud and loud New York franchise.
Well, former Indiana Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh swooped in to save the Knicks. And who did Walsh and Head Coach Mike D'Antoni select with the sixth selection last year? I'm being serious when I say; Italian forward Danilo Gallinaro.
Gallinaro proved his worth in the 2008-09 season with a whopping six points per contest! I know he was hurt for the majority of the season, but the Knicks passed on Brook Lopez, D.J. Augustin and Eric Gordon. Trust me; if the Knicks could press 'reset' on the 2008 NBA Draft, they would soil their pants from happiness.
I'm sure D'Antoni has drawn bunches of "I love Stephen Curry" and "Mr. Mike Curry" doodles at his desk during the already long offseason. Curry's amazing offensive abilities would make him an ideal fit in D'Antoni's up-tempo style. But, I've got Curry plucked at this point.
Scooping Harden at No. 8 gives the Knicks excellent value. The left-handed, 6-foot-5 wing offers the Knicks a solid scoring option along with some tough, durable defense. Harden's first step is a slow one (reminds me of Chicago's John Salmons), but the senior Sun Devil should produce right away. I wouldn't be shocked if Harden makes First-Team All-Rookie next season.
The Knicks aren't worried about the 2009-10 season, though. Their eyes are set on some guy named LeBron. Ever heard of him?
