Some names Knicks could draft
Shooting Guards
William Buford (Ohio State) -- Buford's four years in college paid off, as he became a smarter player over time. He's very active moving without the ball -- something the Knicks need more of -- and knows how to come off screens to hit mid-range jumpshots, as well as attack and finish with creativity and strength (he's 6-6, 220). He's also active on defense and jumps out on passing lanes well. Where he has to improve is 3-point consistency (he went from 44.2 percent as a junior to 35.8 last year) and creating for himself better off the triple threat.
Kim English (Missouri) -- Some of the recent mock drafts have the Knicks selecting English (6-6, 200), mostly because the team needs 3-point shooters and he's deadly in that department. After shooting 36.6 percent from downtown in 2011, he improved to 45.9 percent as a senior -- one of the best marks in the country. He's money in catch-and-shoot situations, especially because he doesn't drop the ball below his waist during his quick setup (Ray Allen-esque). With his high basketball IQ and intense D, he'll be a solid role player on an NBA team.
Small Forward
Jae Crowder (Marquette) -- The consensus on Crowder is that there isn't an exact position for him. But that's because he's viewed as a very good all-around player who has the size (6-6, 235) to play inside and out. He was basically a double-double machine this past season and he would likely become a fan favorite in New York for his intensity, toughness, active motor and unique style (he has long dreadlocks). Perhaps most impressive is that he has an NBA-needed quick release and range to 3-point territory.
Point Guard
*Scott Machado (Iona) -- Machado (6-1, 180) says he's a top-three point guard in the draft class, and he's probably right. Last year, he led Iona, a small Division I school, to the NCAA tournament, while finishing first in assists per game (9.9). His ball control is superior and he passes well in traffic out of the paint -- a needed skill in the NBA. Machado can also D up (1.6 steals per game) and shoot the three (40.4 percent). He could drop in the draft since he's not very athletic (low 30s vertical). He also needs to work on speeding it up in the halfcourt.
Maalik Wayns (Villanova) -- Wayns (6-2, 185) was once considered a potential lottery prospect, but he's been disappointing at times during his college career. His biggest issue is his outside accuracy. In fact, he finished his junior season shooting 29.8 percent from downtown. But he has a very high motor on offense and defense. Overall, he's a solid passer and when he gets to the rim, he excels at finishing -- but that's mostly in transition. Wayns likes to get out and go, but he needs to improve his halfcourt penetration. He settles for a floater too often.
Dee Bost (Mississippi State) -- Bost (6-2, 176) has the potential to be a very good player. Excellent at times, he can also be erratic. But the talent is there. He's an athletic point guard who can be pass-first or shoot-first. In the halfcourt, Bost can pull-up from deep and can fire picture-perfect bounce passes through the defense. In the open court, he's explosive and always looks to finish with a dunk. Defensively, his steals numbers have improved every year. Bost just needs to become more consistent and improve his basketball IQ.
* = Knicks worked him out
