The New York Knicks appear set to enter a rebuild after bringing in Leon Rose to reshape the front office. While many have stepped into the front office role in New York and have had unsuccessful tenures, Rose represents a new type of person to take the role. As a former agent, Rose will look to follow in the footsteps of other successful agents-turned-general managers like Rob Pelinka of the Lakers and Bob Myers of the Warriors.
One of Rose’s first actions of consequence will be selecting a prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft with a likely high draft pick. Currently, the Knicks have the sixth-best odds at the No. 1 pick and are just 1.5 games out of the second spot should the season resume.
LaMelo Ball figures to be one of the names in the conversation for the Knicks pick should they move up in the draft. According to New York Post writer Marc Berman, the franchise thinks highly of Ball heading into the pre-draft process.
“The Knicks would have more interest in LaMelo, who probably will be a top-three pick in the upcoming draft despite playing Down Under. The Knicks seek a scoring point guard in the draft and the 6-foot-7 LaMelo has the most upside despite a shaky delivery on his perimeter jump shot. Lonzo Ball also had struggled with technique but rebuilt his shot and is on the rise.”
Not only do the Knicks like Ball, but LaVar Ball likes the Knicks, which could be of importance depending on who is asked. Earlier this year, LaVar laid out a dream scenario in which LaMelo, Lonzo and LiAngelo team up on the Knicks and are coached by New York native Mark Jackson.
Lonzo, meanwhile, talked about the possibility of LaMelo landing in the bright lights and how he would fit with the Knicks franchise. From a roster standpoint, Ball would provide the Knicks with a long-needed answer at the point guard option. He would also give the team an intriguing young core centered around himself, RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson.
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