May the 2018 No. 1 choose get a second probability with the New York Knicks?
Stefan Bondy, a New York Submit insiderHe added Deandre Ayton’s identify to the metropolitan rumor mill as he compiled an inventory of potential inside additions that bolster the Knicks’ depth on the 5.
Whereas there are many acquainted faces (e.g. Walker Kessler, Robert Williams III, four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Cities), the present Portland Path Blazer is a comparatively new identify within the mainstream dialog.
“The previous No. 1 total choose has been largely disappointing given the hype (he was chosen forward of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), however there are few facilities with Ayton’s bodily skills and, extra importantly, he is taking part in for a foul workforce with too many facilities,” Bondy mentioned. “The Blazers are pressured to commerce in the event that they wrestle once more.”
Ayton would additional gasoline the Knicks’ obvious obsession with former Phoenix Suns gamers, as Mikal Bridges, Marcus Morris, Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet are all within the combine this 12 months. The Arizona alum was a part of the Suns’ 2021 run to the Finals with Bridges and Payne earlier than being traded to Portland within the multi-part deal that despatched Damian Lillard, the face of the Blazers franchise, to Milwaukee.
Whereas overshadowed by the rookies who got here after him, Ayton would definitely be a helpful possibility for Mitchell Robinson’s presumed beginning 5, having grabbed at the very least 10 rebounds per recreation in every of his first six seasons.
Portland will probably be a favourite over the Knicks in the event that they’re nonetheless in search of inside assist earlier than the commerce deadline: To echo Bondy’s level, the rebuilding Blazers have a surplus of size: Ayton is the presumed beginning middle, however the Blazers even have Williams and Duop Reath. Portland additionally used an early draft choose on Connecticut’s Donovan Clingan, which solely will increase the potential for a February inside commerce.
