Knicks president Phil Jackson still has the assets to move up into the first round in Thursday’s draft, and one of those pieces on the move could be newly acquired point guard Shane Larkin.
By rules, the Knicks can peddle Larkin, though they obtained him Wednesday night in a blockbuster trade with the Mavericks that also netted the Knicks the 34th and 52nd picks in the draft.
If so inclined, the Knicks could move into the middle-to-late first round by using Larkin, their 34th pick and cash. They are exploring deals entering a draft Thursday night in which many teams have multiple first-round picks, including Oklahoma City at Nos. 21 and 29. Thunder GM Sam Presti has said he could move at least one of his picks.
So Barry Larkin’s son is not safe just yet as the Knicks have had their eye on shooting guard P.J. Hairston, among others. But they need a center for the roster more than anything — Samuel Dalembert played just 20 minutes a night last season.
One intriguing center prospect who is slated for late in the first round is Michigan’s Mitch McGary. A potential second-rounder is Florida’s senior pivot Patric Young, a 22-year-old with a burly build who is considered a rugged, physical defender.
The Knicks have also worked out Arizona State 7-foot-2 center Jordan Bachynski. Another second-round prospect the Knicks have brought to the facility is Stanford small forward Josh Huestis.
The Knicks have four point guards on the roster now in Larkin, Jose Calderon (also acquired in the trade), Pablo Prigioni and Tour’e Murry, whom Derek Fisher likes a lot. Larkin had a disappointing rookie season after breaking his foot during summer-league practice last July. Larkin even spent some time in the D-League. Iman Shumpert, a potential Knicks trade pawn, could be spared again.