The Knicks selected Latvian C Kristaps Porzingis with the No. 4 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft and traded G Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Hawks for the rights to G Jerian Grant, showing team President Phil Jackson has "put his stamp on the forever-rebuilding Knicks -- and put his team presidency squarely on the line," according to Ken Berger of CBSSPORTS.com. Jackson "ignored the nattering about selecting a European player" in the fourth spot. Berger wrote, "Consider the clock officially started on Jackson's ambitious rebuilding effort." The Knicks "seriously upgraded their talent level Thursday night and remain well positioned to be a strong factor in free agency." There is "plenty of work to be done, but plenty of cap room to work with for Jackson." If nothing else, Jackson "showed the basketball world he is firmly in control" (CBSSPORTS.com, 6/25). CBS’ Seth Davis said Jackson's pick of Porzingis is "going to be the defining choice of the NBA Draft.” NBA TV’s Matt Winer said, “This is the way some teams run their organization, with the big picture in mind.” But he added, "Phil didn’t exactly endear himself to Knicks fans with the fourth overall pick” (“2015 NBA Draft Review,” NBA TV, 6/26). FS1’s Adrian Wojnarowski said taking Porzingis was "somewhat of a courageous pick" by Jackson. Wojnarowksi: "It may be not popular with fans in New York, but if people are patient with him, I think this is going to be a star” (“Fox Sports Live,” FS1, 6/26).
SINK OR SWIM: In N.Y., Peter Botte notes Porzingis was introduced to "heavy boos" Thursday night at Barclays Center. But Jackson, "I think our fans are going to like him. The reaction of the crowd is what you anticipate in New York" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/26). Also in N.Y., Frank Isola writes, "You always knew that Jackson was going to make a splash with the Knicks’ highest pick since Patrick Ewing went first overall" in '85. But after the Porzingis pick was announced, the Barclays Center crowd reacted as if Jackson "did a belly flop in the shallow end of the pool" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/26). The N.Y. POST's Steve Serby notes fans "were booing loudly and chanting 'Fire Phil.'" Serby: "You either trust Phil Jackson or you don’t, and right now Knicks fans don’t. ... He better be right about this kid, and he better be right in free agency. He has no more margin for error" (N.Y. POST, 6/26). ABC’s Dan Harris noted Knicks fans' negative reaction to the drafting of Porzingis is “going viral” and said, “Clearly the faithful had their heart on some other top prospects in the draft.” Harris: “We say to Knicks fans: Calm down, switch to decaf. Maybe this giant Latvian with the unpronounceable name will be a game-changer.” ABC’s David Muir said, “They’ll be wearing his jersey in two months” (“GMA,” ABC, 6/26).
TOO LATE TO SALVAGE ANYTHING: In N.Y., Bob Raissman writes the damage "is already done" to Jackson's reign. Since he "came to the Knicks, Jackson has become more Humpty Dumpty than Zen Master." His "once powerful image is shot," and in less than a year, Jackson has gone "from savior-in-waiting to babbling buffoon" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/26). ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said he was "very confused" by the Porzingis pick, as Jackson has "made promises that he simply is not keeping." He said Knicks fans have been “flat-out deceived" by Jackson (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 6/26).
