New York Knicks Trae Young
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Despite some speculation that the New York Knicks are not happy with their guard situation, it is unlikely that they draft a guard with the ninth pick.

A league source told Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv that the New York Knicks are not expected to take a guard with the ninth pick in the draft. That source told Zagoria, “I’d be shocked if they took a guard at 9.”

There has been speculation that the Knicks could go with a guard despite a roster that includes Frank Ntilikina, Trey Burke, and Emmanuel Mudiay, but this report seems to indicate otherwise. The guards are young, but they were all lottery picks with a lot of potential.

David Fizdale even took a field trip to Boston to watch the Eastern Conference Finals with Ntilikina, Mudiay, and Damyean Dotson. That shows a certain level of commitment to the guards from Fiz. It’s almost as if he’s showing them where they plan on going.

Now with all this said, the draft is still a long way away and things can certainly change from this point until draft day. Trae Young and Collin Sexton are both excellent prospects that will go somewhere in the lottery. It wouldn’t be crazy if the Knicks really fell in love with one of those guys and feel compelled to draft them if available.

It would certainly make sense to try and fill a need by drafting a wing or even a big to complement Kristaps Porzingis, but there is still something to be said for drafting the best player available. Stockpiling talent regardless of position isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

In terms of wing players, Miles Bridges and Mikal Bridges are sure to be near the top of the wish list for the Knicks. If either of those guys are available at ninth, it could be an easy decision for Scott Perry and Steve Mills. They may not even have to worry about adding to the logjam at the guard position.

 
NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.