New York Knicks

With the No. 4 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks grabbed Latvian sensation Kristaps Porzingis.

By Robby Sabo

Aside from the certainty that the Minnesota Timberwolves were selecting Karl-Anthony Towns with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, we knew very little.

Fans of the New York Knicks, especially, knew nothing.

From fearing Phil Jackson and James Dolan (or dare I even say Isiah Thomas) would screw up this thing one way or another, Knicks fans had one eye glued on the television while the other was tightly closed.

Whether or not they like Latvian sensation, Kristaps Porzingis, is the question. New York grabbed the high-upside 19-year old with the No. 4 pick on Thursday night.

Amazingly, Jahlil Okafor almost lasted to No. 4. This is especially interesting to think about since he was considered the consensus No. 1 overall on the big-board for much of the last calendar year.

It was the mind-blowing surge up the board by D’Angelo Russell that allowed that to happen. But, Philly went the conventional route selecting the other big-man, instead of going Porzingis.

Here’s the Top-5:

  1. Minnesota Timberwovles: Karl-Anthony Towns
  2. Los Angeles Lakers: D’Angelo Russell
  3. Philadelphia 76ers: Jahlil Okafor
  4. New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis
  5. Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja

So, now the Knicks are equipped with a skilled offensive player to go along with Carmelo Anthony. The problem is, we have no idea how skilled he actually is.

Already, this pick is being deemed a miss by Jackson. Especially considering Porzingis will need time to gel to the professional game and actually fill out that underdeveloped body.

Sure, many compare him to Dirk Nowitzki, but we’ve also seen more of the Darco Milicic and Fredreck Weiss variety come through the NBA as well.

Justise Winslow should have been their guy.

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com