New York Knicks News Mix, 5/27/17: Rubio's the Answer, Draft Target Buzz
Mar 30, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) points to a teammate after making a three point shot in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks are reportedly determined to acquire Ricky Rubio. A new draft target enters the discussion, and an old one makes news.

After Derrick Rose failed, the New York Knicks still have a point guard problem, and they seem sure that Ricky Rubio is the one to fix it. The Knicks are reportedly still interested in Rubio despite their failed attempts to acquire him at the trade deadline.

According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, there’s been talk that the Knicks “might move on a Rubio trade if they miss out on one of the elite point guard prospects in the draft.”

At No. 8, the team should expect to have Dennis Smith Jr. or Frank Ntilikina available. Neither one of them projects as elite. It could be smarter to trade for the proven commodity: Rubio.

Per Kyler, the Knicks may consider going in an entirely different way. They could draft a different position and a prospect with upside like the one Jonathan Isaac from Florida State.

Via Basketball Insiders:

Sources near the Knicks situation said it’s also possible the team looks to Rubio as the immediate answer at point guard and swings for the fences in the draft targeting a huge upside player like Jonathan Isaac, especially as the Knicks try to move on from Carmelo Anthony this summer.

Isaac is projected by DraftExpress as a combo forward, and the seventh pick in the draft ranked ninth in the top 100 prospects.

The 19-year-old would be an excellent fit running the fast break next to Kristaps Porzingis. The only question is whether he’ll be there at the eighth pick.

However, Isaac isn’t the only draft target in the news. Frank Ntilkina has been a favorite among Knicks fans since he was spotted working out at Carmelo Anthony‘s gym.

The 18-year-old point guard from France is currently leading his team in the French league playoffs.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, scouts have been impressed by his defense during the tournament.

One scout “who saw much of the first round” claimed to be impressed with Frank’s defense against league MVP D.J. Cooper.

Per Berman, Ntilikina posted seven points, two assists, five rebounds and one steal in 25 minutes to lead his team to a win and advance to the semifinals.


Elite Sports NY’s Skylar Darel talks about why Frank Ntilikina would make a good pick at No. 8 in the draft.

Elite Sports NY’s Robbie Stratakos says that New York’s interest in veteran role players P.J. Tucker and Dante Cunningham show they have a smart rebuilding strategy.