Perhaps it's because of the unbalanced roster consisting out of 8 guards, 0 SF's, 4 PF's and 2 backup centers. Maybe it's because there are 3 points, 2 with issues, 1 apparently only fitting in with the jazz format of play. Or could it be because the two stars on the team both play the same position? Or is it the fact that there are no real SF's where the match up seems to be pretty much in favor of the other teams. Or could it be that the best PF has to play center but he can't stand to be banged around? Or that the primary backup broke through while having to play against centers instead of PF's? Or that the remaining 2 are tweeners? That one center has good hustle but isn't a starter while the other one is of the 5 fouls, 1 rebound in 6 minutes variety?

Could it be that since JVG left and Chaney rightfully so threw out Riley's playbook revolving around Ewing and tried to run yet this challenge couldn't be met by the roster? The Knicks aren't for nothing the oldest, shortest and least entertaining team in the NBA. Or could it be that the points allowed this season was due to the lacking size in the lineup where the D the Knicks know how to play couldn't be maintained.

All in all, every GM, player, NBA executives, sports fan, sportswriter, broadcaster and even your mother knows that the Knicks need size AND talent. During this season there have been many articles stating the obvious, enough is enough it's time for a rebuild.

Will cablevision go for that though? With one of the leagues highest payrolls and highest ticket prices (even though they won't be raised this year) they seem to be focused on getting back into the playoffs just for the revenue. It doesn't matter that the time is perfect for a rebuild where the team would become young, athletic, quick, agile and best of all it would have future potential instead of the shortsighted tweaking that got the Knicks in this position in the first place.

The question should be, do the Knicks have a plan? Do they have a blueprint of what the roster should look like in years to come. Do they plan on getting a championship back to New York or are they pleased with the illusion of being a contender while they're clearly not just for the playoff revenue. It isn't too hard to get back into the playoffs next season if they mortgage the future even more. But could those further messed up Knicks beat the west by adding one player?

What do the Knicks need? A young point guard, an athletic SF and a potential starting center. Could Ming be the first start? I doubt it if only for the hassle the Chinese government brings with it, just look at Wang who isn't certain to return to Dallas although Wang and Dallas want to be together.

Why is it a good time for a rebuild? Is it because in the east the top three seeds weren't in the playoffs last year only further emphasizing that there are a few teams who think they might be a player or two away from having a unit to go far into the playoffs next season. Or is it that the teams in the west showed that their format isn't working against the lakeshow?

No this upcoming draft is deep, it's amazingly deep, with all the early entrants, the highly talented international players, a few amazing HS talents and a rich senior class make this an appealing draft in the second and the first round. It's downside of course is that next years draft is more a 15-20 person deep draft focusing around LeBron James ( who's absolutely worth trying a SA Duncan pick, meaning throwing the entire season). It's a perfect time to reload as it's obvious that the future championship team should peak when Shaq is out of the league.

Personally I think the Knicks should trade players to have 2-4 first round picks and 2-3 second round picks instead of laying all their eggs in one basket made in China. I don't have anything against Yao, but since the Knicks are not one player away from contending he isn't the answer.

What should be the plan according to my humble opinion?

Draft day trades.

KT has an all time high value, trade him to the Bucks for their pick+?, if they won't bite try it for the Magic's pick +?. Any pick will do.

Trade Ward and Mark Jackson for picks. Their trade bait value should be OK since Ward has a cheap buyout and Jax an opt out, which practically means they are in the last year of their contract. Teams that are on the brink of the luxury tax or have to watch their pennies very closely will be interested in those players now.

Trade Eisley, Anderson, Spoon and/or Harrington for the Utah pick + Ostertag. I'm not fond of Greg at all, worse yet he's a bad bad player BUT he does have a 10-minute usefulness per game and his contract comes of the books pretty quick. Without inclusion of the pick you ought to fugeddabout that proposition though.

Trade Spree to a team in the (late) lottery for their pick plus either a young player or a player with an ending contract giving you some more options.

I would rather trade Houston instead of Spree, but I think it's highly unlikely you will find any takers for this superb shooter. Since you're "stuck" with Houston you should ship out Spree and get a real SF of the 6'8"-6'11" variety. Only possibilities I can think of regarding trading Houston might be trading for another teams headache like the big Z from Cleveland or with a team that doesn't seem to be bothered by the prospect of paying luxury taxes like Dallas and Portland.

The following is my assessment of the upcoming draft, where I combined the teams philosophy and the need of the team to determine what I think they would or should pick.

2002-2003 KBY's mock draft First Round
	1.  Yao Ming
	No way does Rudy T. let Ming slip by him unless the red tape becomes unbearable to handle. With the eight largest Chinese populating of cities in America China cannot ignore that Houston qualifies plus Houston should be able to get right back into the playoffs if they stay injury free. Perfect fit.
	2.  Mike Dunleavy Jr.
	Oh the doubt will be very high between Jay and D jr but the chances are better in getting a prime point through trades then getting a clutch SF through trades. Chicago has to choose between two loves, they'll do well no matter what they decide.
	3.  Jay Williams
	Gilbert Arenas has done very well at the point, still they can't refuse Jay. They will try to trade Dampier, Hughes and Fortson for a backup PF and a potential center as will there second rounder be a center.
	4.  Drew Gooden
	Although the cry for Wagner will be high the best fit would be Gooden. With white chocolate getting a new chance with West they'd like this best as the lineup. PG Williams, SG Battier, SF Gasol/Gooden, PF Gooden/Gasol, C Wright. Would leave a second rounder and a traded Stromile Swift as possibilities to get a young FC.
	5.  Caron Butler
	Vandeweghe will clearly utilize the best talent available draft strategy. The question is what does he think is the best remaining talent? My guess would be Wagner or Woods but he'll go for Butler. Besides the talent he has the leadership qualities any team would desire. Would be a good move to keep McDyess as Butler can deliver immediately plus give the Nuggets an identity.
	6.  Dajaun Wagner
	Whether or not they keep Miller is the question but they can't go wrong with picking Wagner. If Miller goes Wagner moves to the point, if Miller stays they have this lineup. PG Miller, SG Wagner, SF Davis, PF Mihm, C Z/Diop.
	7.  Maybyner "Nene" Hilario
	Once the workouts get started I highly doubt the Knicks can pass him up. He has an enormous wingspan and great ability to be just the frontcourt player the Knicks need. The choice will be between him and Wilcox but Nene is just further along.
	8.  Curtis Borchardt
	I know, the popular thought going around. Gives them an advantage when they try to resign Kandi which I think they will do for a change.
	9.  Chris Wilcox
	Just the addition the suns frontcourt needs. Googs just doesn't cut it.
	10.  Jared Jeffries
	A smart player who loves the Heat. Has improved significantly every season and will be a good fit under Pat Riley.
	11.  Qyntel Woods
	MJ won't go international or HS, which leaves Quintel as the best SF in washington's sight. Chris Jefferies might get the nod as well if Woods doesn't have good workouts.
	12.  Amare Stoudemire
	Just what the doctor ordered, another super talented player for the clips. Oh my, if Sterling delivers they'll be huge. Will Sterling finally dust off his checkbook though?
	13.  Nickoloz Tskitishvili
	Although Grunfeld would want a more ready NBA player clearly Nickoloz is the best talent left in the draft.
	14.  Kareem Rush
	Indiana will draft a guard, either Rush or Frank Williams. My guess is Kareem.
	15.  Chris Jefferies
	Oh what good fortune the Rockets have, the 1st and the 15th pick. They'll strike gold with Chris Jefferies.
	16.  Bostjan Nachbar
	Phillies need a polished scorer, Bostjan can do it all and would be picked a lot higher if it weren't for his commitment overseas. Still Phillie will pick him and hope for the best.
	17.  Jiri Welsh
	Their frontcourt is already impressive, Welsh would be a good addition to Wesley and Davis. A fingerlicking nice 3 man rotation at the two guard spots.
	18.  Frank Williams
	They go for Frank, no doubt.
	19.  Dan Gadzuric
	Jazz are having troubles with their center position, Gadzuric would be the perfect addition to Jarron. All the others will probably be send packing (Ostertag, Ameachi).
	20.  Chris Marcus
	The raptors can't believe their luck, Marcus has fallen right on their laps. With the disappointing consistency of Hakeem this could be the perfect grooming situation for Marcus. To learn from Hakeem and gradually move into the starting lineup.
	21.  Marcus  Haislip
	The blazers will take their chances on a center in the second with Borchardt, Marcus and Gadzuric out of their reach. Haislip show alot of potential and they sure seem to abid by the talent first drafting scenario. Haislip has an amazing vertical leap and a large wingspan. Could clearly be a part of the future together with Randolph and Haislip could possibly become a center.
	22.  Luis Scola
	Another frontcourt addition, it's the part where the suns have been hurting. Now if only Penny would play for what he's worth.
	23.  Dan Dickau
	No surprise here, the pistons have been struggling at the point all year. While Chucky has done great at times he isn't the answer.
	24.  Joe Smith fiasco.
	Forfeit picks in 02 and 04
	25.  Juan Dixon
	Dickau and Frank are gone, Dixon will be picked as the backup the Nets need for Kidd.
	26.  Boris Diaw-Riffiod
	No surprises here, he's made himself eligible after being guaranteed this spot by Denver.
	27.  Jamal Sampson
	Young, raw and big question marks on his draft position. However, with a lineup of Parker, Ginobili, ? and Duncan an energizer center like Sampson could be the next big thing once Shaq retires.
	28.  Carlos Boozer
	Not that the Lakers need anything, but Phil just loves PF's and Samaki hasn't been all that.
	29.  Roger Mason
	He's dropped all the way to the bottom of the first only because he should of stayed another year in college. A frightening addition to the Kings who'd love to add another SG or a center.
Second Round
	30.  Jason Jennings
	With Jennings being a possible first round center pick the warriors will jump all over him.
	31.  Rod Grizzard
	In such a deep draft, someone has to fall. In this case Grizzard who hasn't had the best of luck with an illtimed injury, might pull out of the draft because of it.
	32.  William "Smush" Parker
	West and talent, need I say more? Smush has a lot of talent but was on a small and bad team, a perfect West pick.
	33.  Melvin Ely
	Seniors just aren't a popular choice. Ely has had a long time in college to prove his desire but he hasn't convinced anyone. Still has alot of talent so he'll undoubtedly will be a low first rounder or a high second round pick.
	34.  Darius Songalia
	It's Karl and the frontcourt that seems to be the trouble doesn't it? Karl continued burning his backcourt over and over again questioning what the Bucks will look like next season. They'll go for Songalia though as the frontcourt needs most of the work.
	35.  Christopher Tapoutos
	Sleeper talent, should make the Cavs very happy.
	36.  Zaur Pachulia
	Youngest early entrant from the international players. Amazing blocker and has quickness. Is a major question mark but the Knicks should be so lucky to obtain him. Layden has finally delivered for this franchise, going international might save his face and the Knicks "accidentally" get away with some amazing fine players. Could move all the way up into the lottery with good workouts but will probably become a late first rounder or a high second rounder.
	37.  Tito Maddox
	Hawks want a point, Maddox is a good point with a checkered past.
	38.  Steve Logan
	Will they resign Strickland? Who knows what the heat will do, they won't leave this good point hanging around though. Logan has the Heat written all over him.
	39.  Tayshaun Prince
	Just to make sure the position is filled in the future whether he plays or not. The other pick can't do it all by himself.
	40.  Casey Jacobsen
	Nope, still no international player for MJ.
	41.  Kei Madison
	Oh my, if this kid keeps it together, which is his big question mark, he could crack the starting lineup in the future. Has a label attached of being a headcase but is clearly a late first round talent. The clips will roll the dice.
	42.  Nenad Krstic
	Will they bring him over or hope he stays overseas and pick him up once they see what this season will bring them The bucks have alot of questions to answer about themselves. Still I don't see them swallowing Karl's extension so one of the big three could move.
	43.  Fatih Solak
	Picking a center, what a surprise. You might expext him to go higher but with the rich draft decisions are tough to make. As a result I think Solak will be a late second rounder, his game is highly questionable.
	44.  Frederick Jones
	Hummin', cummin' at cha. Very nice player, could go a lot higher if his workouts are good. Will get drafted by someone but I think this is a good spot for him. He could go all the way to #20 though.
	45.  Sam Clancy
	If he wasn't a tweener in a PF draft he would be a late first rounder, would be a good fit in the working rotation of Philly. Also a victim of an illtimed injury.
	46.  David Andersen
	West again picks up this relatively unknown talent from down under. Isn't all too athletic though but could go higher in the second round. Isn't a first rounder unless some GM insist on going the international route.
	47.  Mario Stojic
	Very talented player, if everyone has done their homework he should rise to the late first round. Utah of course won't let this talent pass them even if they don't need him perse.
	48.  Lenny Cooke
	Is he a SG or a SF in the NBA? Good talent, questionable attitude. Will not go undrafted however.
	49.  DeAngelo Collins
	Very physical player, could be the future replacement the sonics need at the PF position or could go in and out this league within a few years. Seattle will take the chance though with their second rounder on a high schooler.
	50.  Juan Carlos Navarro
	Can play the 1 and 2, looks like a good fit for the Celts.
	51.  Lazaros Papadopoulos
	Another center, could it be they play in the West? While he's no super talent he will be a servicable center at best.
	52.  Elvin Mims
	Minny and Mims, they'd rather have a point but this very talented SG who has dropped in this forward rich draft has been glady picked up by the Wolves whose good second round draft streak continues.
	53.  Andy Ellis
	Best center left, hey it's the late second round what do you expect?
	54.  John Salmons
	Versatile player, can play the 1,2 and 3. Real handy in a run and gun team.
	55.  Pedrag Savovic
	No Cuban, he isn't Stojakovic. Some see him as a late first rounder but euros that play college in the states are usually not the highest talented potentials that have the scouts drooling.
	56.  Theron Smith
	A SF is what the Spurs will be looking for with this late pick. Smith to possibly replace Smith.
	57.  Andreas Gliniadakis
	Another foreign gamble which I think will work out very well for the Spurs.
	58.  Chris Christoffersen
	With all the goodies out, the Kings will go for that Danish guy who played against Yao.

In case you're wondering what I would do if the Knicks did trade for picks, I'd be hoping for this lineup..

PG. Smush, Satterfield(FA) and Navarro (if you get lucky with trading for lottery picks, Wagner)

SG. Spree OR Houston, Postell, Navarro (maybe Roger Mason jr. or Riffiod if both Spree and Houston are dealt)

SF. Woods or Nikoloz, Madison, Postell or Spree (plus maybe Jefferson de Souza Sobral if you get a late late second rounder)

PF. Camby, Wilcox or Maybyner "nene" Hilario, Stoudemire or Collins, Othella Harrington

C. Sampson, Stoudemire or Collins, Camby, Okafor, Mierda

If the Knicks would reload and lay out a blueprint for a future championship team we could be in the lottery again next season which could mean a shot at LeBron James next draft, with the nice consolidation prices of a super talent center Kendrick Perkins and an amazing PG talent TJ Ford.

How long is it again until the draft starts?

KBY

participant in the pure Knicks love program