Trade Grades
Click here for link to Atlanta Hawk's Trade Grade
Knicks get: Draft rights to rookie PG/SG Jerian Grant
Hawks get: SG Tim Hardaway Jr.
This is a fairly even swap here, although maybe the Knicks came out a little bit on top. Hardaway Jr. was a fan favorite, which made probably made Knicks fans even more agitated after their apparent frustration with taking PF/C Kristaps Porzingis fourth overall. However, Grant is an NBA-ready rookie that can thrive in the triangle offense from day one, and Hardaway was the only trade chip New York really had (that was not named superstar SF/PF Carmelo Anthony or their number four pick, of course).
Tim Hardaway Jr. is of course the son of an all-time great, and after his impressive rookie campaign, it was looking like he’d follow in his father’s footsteps. He hit 1.6 threes on a blazing 36.2% on them, as part of his 10.8 points per game en route to being named to the All-Rookie First Team. However, he has shown a lack of improvement in year two, actually just plateauing completely, which is alarming. Hardaway averaged 11.5 points and 34.2% shooting from downtown this past season. He’s just 23 years old, so he could still possess some upside, but there is risk that he’ll just level out with the current skillset he has, given his lack of development since his rookie year. Therefore, the Knicks did well to deal him for a solid prospect before Hardaway’s value dipped.
Grant is perfect for the Knicks. A senior out of Notre Dame, he possesses a skillset that can be put to use immediately in the NBA, and especially in the triangle offense. Grant is lengthy, with an imposing frame as well for a point guard, helping him to become an excellent defender. He can slash to the basket, work the pick-and-roll, and is a phenomenal passer as well. His jump shot needs improvement, but it’s really not even that bad as it stands. Grant projects to be able to run the offense in New York from day one.
Losing Hardaway hurts, but the Knicks got more than a fair deal here. Hardaway Jr. now has all sorts of risk attached to him, concerning his lack of upside after he plateaued in his second season. Meanwhile, Grant is one of the safer picks in this entire draft, as other than a little more development of his jump shot, he’s already a fairly complete player. Overall, although Hardaway Jr. could have a higher ceiling, Grant is far less risky and can contribute from day one.
Grade: B+
Trade Grades
Knicks get: SG/PG Alexey Shved, two second-rounders
Rockets get: PG Pablo Prigioni
Excellent move here by Phil Jackson and co. Probably the best one of his short tenure so far in the Big Apple, although it flew largely under the radar with all the big moves taking place today. Looking to clear even more cap space for this offseason, offloading the $1.7 million owed to Prigioni next year made sense for the Knicks. Shved is a role player/benchwarmer on an expiring deal, and the second-round draft picks are just an added bonus to shedding Prigioni’s cheap and reasonable salary. The 37 year old was only averaging 4.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 1 three a game, and with all the star point guards on the move at the deadline, you have to give props to Jackson for getting so much in return for a player he didn’t even want.
Grade: A-
Click here for link to Atlanta Hawk's Trade Grade
Knicks get: Draft rights to rookie PG/SG Jerian Grant
Hawks get: SG Tim Hardaway Jr.
This is a fairly even swap here, although maybe the Knicks came out a little bit on top. Hardaway Jr. was a fan favorite, which made probably made Knicks fans even more agitated after their apparent frustration with taking PF/C Kristaps Porzingis fourth overall. However, Grant is an NBA-ready rookie that can thrive in the triangle offense from day one, and Hardaway was the only trade chip New York really had (that was not named superstar SF/PF Carmelo Anthony or their number four pick, of course).
Tim Hardaway Jr. is of course the son of an all-time great, and after his impressive rookie campaign, it was looking like he’d follow in his father’s footsteps. He hit 1.6 threes on a blazing 36.2% on them, as part of his 10.8 points per game en route to being named to the All-Rookie First Team. However, he has shown a lack of improvement in year two, actually just plateauing completely, which is alarming. Hardaway averaged 11.5 points and 34.2% shooting from downtown this past season. He’s just 23 years old, so he could still possess some upside, but there is risk that he’ll just level out with the current skillset he has, given his lack of development since his rookie year. Therefore, the Knicks did well to deal him for a solid prospect before Hardaway’s value dipped.
Grant is perfect for the Knicks. A senior out of Notre Dame, he possesses a skillset that can be put to use immediately in the NBA, and especially in the triangle offense. Grant is lengthy, with an imposing frame as well for a point guard, helping him to become an excellent defender. He can slash to the basket, work the pick-and-roll, and is a phenomenal passer as well. His jump shot needs improvement, but it’s really not even that bad as it stands. Grant projects to be able to run the offense in New York from day one.
Losing Hardaway hurts, but the Knicks got more than a fair deal here. Hardaway Jr. now has all sorts of risk attached to him, concerning his lack of upside after he plateaued in his second season. Meanwhile, Grant is one of the safer picks in this entire draft, as other than a little more development of his jump shot, he’s already a fairly complete player. Overall, although Hardaway Jr. could have a higher ceiling, Grant is far less risky and can contribute from day one.
Grade: B+
Trade Grades
Knicks get: SG/PG Alexey Shved, two second-rounders
Rockets get: PG Pablo Prigioni
Excellent move here by Phil Jackson and co. Probably the best one of his short tenure so far in the Big Apple, although it flew largely under the radar with all the big moves taking place today. Looking to clear even more cap space for this offseason, offloading the $1.7 million owed to Prigioni next year made sense for the Knicks. Shved is a role player/benchwarmer on an expiring deal, and the second-round draft picks are just an added bonus to shedding Prigioni’s cheap and reasonable salary. The 37 year old was only averaging 4.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 1 three a game, and with all the star point guards on the move at the deadline, you have to give props to Jackson for getting so much in return for a player he didn’t even want.
Grade: A-