By: Martin Rand, III
Date: January 13, 2011
The New York Knicks have a history of being terribly bad at drafting players in the first round. Their picks over the last decade have done little to disprove this notation either; and, honestly, Iman Shumpert, their first round pick last year, may continue the tradition.
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| Can Iman Shumpert break be the first great first pick the Knicks have drafted in over two decades? |
I haven't seen the Georgia Tech product play much in this short season, but from what I've seen I'm not sure if this kid has what it takes to be great. Last night's loss versus the Memphis Grizzlies is exhibit A.
It seemed like as soon as the game started he started jacking up shot after shot. By the middle of the first quarter, he was already 0-9 on his shots. He finished the game 5-20. On a team with Amare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony, I don't think it's within the team's best interest for an inconsistent rookie to run down the court and shoot the first shot he sees.
However, to be fair, Stoudamire did get benched early because of foul trouble and Anthony's left wrist was bothering him; but, even when they were in the game, Shumpert was still throwing up shots.
At first, I thought maybe Coach Mike D'Antoni told him to shoot more, but a quick camera shot of his face after another Shumpert heave proved otherwise. I can understand D'Antoni's frustration. It wasn't just the fact Shumpert kept shooting and missing, but he also was not passing the ball to wide open teammates. Here's the crazy thing-- he is listed as a point guard!
I'm not trying to jinx Shumpert at all. I want him to be great and break this tradition of terrible first round picks; but, the fact is that the Knicks haven't had a viable pick in the first round since David Lee (who now plays with the Golden State Warriors) was drafted in 2005; and haven't drafted a great player since Patrick Ewing in 1985.
That's a long time to not have drafted a great player considering they have had high draft picks numerous times over the last couple of years.
It would be in everyone's best interest if Shumpert can develop and be the great player he thinks he is now. After watching a couple of games this season, including last night, I know he has very long way to go before this is possible. I hope Shumpert works hard and listens to the coaches and veteran players around him to make this happen because the last thing the Knicks need is another first round draft bust.
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