The question isn't whether the Knicks would take Arizona power forward Jordan Hill. The question is whether enough teams ahead of the Knicks looking at guards will hasten Hill's fall to No. 8 on June 25.
That Hill worked out for the Knicks yesterday was a great sign - an acknowledgement that Hill may still be on the board when the Knicks come up to bat at No. 8. "There could be a chance," Hill said after his solo workout. "Just to be sure, we have a backup plan and showcase for the lower top 10. Anything can happen in this draft. New York is a good place."
Hill, the 6-foot-10 junior, is long, athletic, can defend the post, run the floor and has an excellent 17-foot jump shot. Before buying your Stephen Curry or Jrue Holiday jersey, the Knicks may go with a power forward despite their roster makeup.
If Hill is there, Curry won't be. Adding Hill would mean the Knicks will attempt to deal free agent David Lee in a sign-and-trade in July, possibly with Portland.
The Eastern Conference's road to The Finals no longer goes through LeBron James' palace. It goes through Dwight Howard's Magic Kingdom. An ability to defend the post is tantamount. Currently, the Knicks probably have the NBA's worst post defense. Hence, Donnie Walsh's fascination with Hill.
