Not a Memorable Grand Finale of the Walsh Era

Since getting swept during their first relevant playoff appearance in a decade, the Knicks brass have repeatedly expressed to fans the importance of this years draft. How it would be essential to the direction this organization moves in the near future. How filling the roster with players that will make immediate impacts are essential to giving Amar'e & Melo the best possible opportunity to win in their primes.

I don't know where the sense of urgency was, or who was calling the shots in the war room but if tonight's draft was an indication of "the direction that this organization moves" then us Knicks fans are in for passiveness, a lack of aggression and NO sense of urgency.

Yes I credit the Knicks for going defense and size with Shumpert at 17, that shows the front office is focused on improving on an important aspect, defense. They passed on Selby (a 'Melo favorite) and even MarShon Brooks, a great offensive option at 17. That all means the Knicks are at least trying to value defense, which is a good sign. But that's not where the concern comes into play. The concern from myself and every other knowledgeable NBA fan out there comes in when teams that are fresh off a championship, and have a roster capable of winning another title next season are more aggressive and come away with better draft night acquisitions! The concern comes in when a player you have been targeting & raving about for some time now ( that you offered Wilson Chandler for in a swap) becomes available and gets traded for a lowly late first-round pick. The concern comes in when players that suit your needs (NBA ready PGs Darius Morris & Charles Jenkins, 6'11.5 260 lb Jeremy Tyler, sharpshooter Jon Diebler), fall within striking distance in the early 40s-late 50s and we don't capitalize. Not to mention serviceable players in Corey Maggette, Brad Miller, Jonny Flynn and Rudy FERNANDEZ all the move yet none to the Big Apple. Harrellson is a big body but he wasn't anybody we were targeting prior to the draft. Which makes me think he was more of a throw in. Available size, just in case.

Maybe I'm over analyzing all of this and the front office has some tricks up their sleeves. But with the uncertainty of the management that Donnie frantically stepping down has caused, this Draft would have been the perfect time for Mark Warkentien (Interim GM) & co. to shine; and in the process, win over some fans that lacked trust. Faced with that golden opportunity, they failed miserably.

There is still 7 days left before a potential lockout. hopefully we can get something done in that time frame. This time before the lockout will be crucial because with the uncertainty of how the next CBA will look, we will need to get creative & trade for difference makers. We cant lay back passively.

My Grade: C+