Entering Thursday night's 2011 NBA Draft the New York Knicks did not have a pick in the second round. The Knicks, however, purchased the 45th overall pick from the New Orleans Hornets, and used it to select a big man, 6-foot-10, 275-pound Josh Harrellson, a center from the University of Kentucky.
Harrellson emerged as a senior with the Wildcats, averaging 7.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game after barely having played the season before. It is likely Harrellson's rebounding that attracted the Knicks, who are still lacking toughness and rebounding inside after taking guard Iman Shumpert with their first-round selection, 45th overall.
The NBA.com player profile on Harrellson compared him to former Detroit Pistons bad boy center Bill Laimbeer -- and if he turns out to be anything close to that caliber of player this would be a great pick for New York. From the profile:
This season, Harrellson impressed NBA scouts with his work ethic on and off the court. They were particularly intrigued by his rebounding ability, and though he didn't show it, his face-up game. Harrellson could be a pick-and-pop guy in the NBA ... He was a consistent rebounder and defensive presence all season while mixing in some big scoring games.