ESPN's Chad Ford is reporting today -- well, more like speculating today -- that the New York Knicks would like to move up in Thursday's 2011 NBA Draft to select high-scoring Glens Falls native Jimmer Fredette. Ford states that he believes the Knicks would love to come out of Thursday's draft with either Fredette or Washington State shooting guard Klay Thompson, whjo averaged 21.6 points per game in 2010-2011.
As I have written previously, if this is truly the case I simply don't understand the Knicks fascination with adding another player who needs the basketball in order to be successful.
Here is part of what I wrote about Fredette and the Knicks a few weeks ago:
The Knicks need to pass on Fredette. They have scoring with Anthony and Stoudemire, they still have Chauncey Billups and Toney Douglas, and they have a promising young wing player in Landry Fields. They need to find toughness, shot-blocking and interior defense. Fredette, obviously, can't give them those things.
Thompson, who scouts see as more of a swing player and spot-up shooter, might be a better fit. Still, however, the thing the Knicks need most is interior toughness and a defensive presence at the rim. If they can find a player at No. 17 who gives them that I don't see why they would pass on that for another scorer.