Former Knicks and current MSG Network color commentator, Walt "Clyde" Frazier, knows exactly what New York needs to do in the Draft on Thursday.
Frazier would likely wish the Knicks had the position to select Arizona C Deandre Ayton, who he worked alongside on Monday promoting the newest version of Puma Clyde sneakers at a pop-up shop across from Barclays Center. But Ayton is the probable first overall selection to the Suns.
That doesn't mean Frazier can't dream about uniting two unicorns in Ayton and Kristaps Porzingis.
"[Ayton] handles the ball well, very fluid with the ball," Frazier told The Post's Marc Berman. "But he doesn't have the 3-ball range like KP, but he has the other stuff -- movement agility around the basket, shot-blocking. Right now I don't think this kid has a 3 in his repertoire. It's something he has to acquire. Those [old-school] center guys can't compete now -- they're relegated to the benches. But [Ayton] can guard guards. He has the ability to do that."
Realistically, though, Frazier knows Ayton will already have taken a picture with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, and be swamped with interviews by the time the Knicks pick their prospect. So, a versatile wing player is what Frazier wants to see the Knick indulge in with their draft choice.
"We need a scorer," he said. "I dont' think they're going to go for another point guard. I think they should go with a wing. We have to have one of these [young point guards] pan out this year, step up and distinguish themselves."
The Knicks have been targeted to wings in multiple mock drafts, including Villanova's Mikal Bridges, Michigan State's Miles Bridges, and Kentucky's Kevin Knox.
Mikal Bridges, having accumulated two championships over his three seasons at Nova, would be the safer pick as he is good defensively as well as shooting on the perimeter. Knox recently drove up his draft stock following a joint workout with the Knicks, where he reportedly outworked Miles Bridges.
