At the time, I didn't think Knix could really take a chance on Porter Jr.
LAC med staff thought Porter might not be able to play and the word spread.
They passed on him twice at 12 & 13. DEN with a pretty loaded team and the talent drop-off took the chance on Porter at 14.
So it wasn't that the Knix couldn't wait as much as that they couldn't afford to draft a guy who might never play in the NBA. Both Bridges sounded like solid contributors who could help any team. I was for Mikal, but I be no draftnik. Was surprised Knix took the risk/reward Knox package, instead of the lower ceiling but reputedly solid Bridges Bros. Just hoped the Knix knew what they were doing.
When I first saw Knox's physique, I could understand the attraction. He was a wild card, raw but looked the part. Knox hasn't been as athletic as he appears. Kind of jumps poorly I think. And he thinks too much and isn't a quick reacter. Sort of hopeless on D. Still young.
But the Bridges are bona fide starters, both very good defenders who are expanding their scoring repertoire. Exceeding the 3&D label they had, while becoming playmakers and creative scorers. Meanwhile Porter is showing the pre-back-injury form that had folks considering him a Top 3 talent (if healthy). Clyde thought his stroke looked Allan Houstonian.
And then Shai was there as well, and had been getting good buzz and moving up draft boards. So 4 of the next 5 taken after Knox would have been great picks and likely starters for these Knix. A painful draft for NYK. Thibs isn't much interested in Knox at all. Not sure how much longer Knox stays a Knix.
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