Doug’s Sports Rap: Knicks Draft Obi Toppin

The NBA draft was last night and the New York Knicks had the eight pick in the first round, they chose the 22 year old forward from Dayton Obi Toppin.

I have been saying for the past two decades that the Knicks organization has focused on a series of quick fixes, resulting in bad free agency choices, with not enough gas in the tank to propel them to a championship level.

The organization may be on the right path over the past few years, with some good draft selections that has the team rebuilding with a somewhat talented young roster.

RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson and Kevin Knox along with this year’s draft picks, Dayton stand out Obi Toppin and Kentucky Wildcats Guard Immanuel Quickley, this might be a pivotal point in turning this franchise around in the next few years.

The puzzle is not complete as free agency has just begun, and the Knicks need a legitimate guard at the point.

There have been talks about Russell Westbrook if available, or Fred VanVleet who would be my choice because of his age, and experience with high caliber players.

Training camp opens in less than two weeks (December 1^st) and the brain trusts in the Knicks front office will need to make something happen.

I think Knicks fans deserve to see some improvement in the team’s record and performance this season, at least something to give them some hope.

Through the 1990’s the Knicks made the post season each year, and since their trip to the Finals in 1999-2000, they have made the playoffs only five times, losing four in the first round.

I am excited about the possibilities, but I believe putting a band aide on this and trying to achieve instant success would be nothing short of another Knick disaster.

In addition to many new young players the Knicks have a new president Leon Rose, and a new head coach in Tom Thibodeau, who has an impressive pedigree, along with a defensive mind, and this team will have to play defense, if they want to improve.

The new season starts December 22^nd and I am excited to see what this team brings in 2021.

Go Knicks!

[via New York Post] [via NBA.com]