NEW YORK (AP) -Knicks fans had a reason to cheer even before commissioner David Stern announced New York’s first-round pick in the NBA draft Thursday night.
There was a buzz in the crowd after ESPN flashed a proposed trade that would have the Portland Trail Blazers send Zach Randolph to New York for Channing Frye and Steve Francis.
The fans, led by Spike Lee, stood and cheered when the proposed trade was shown. They started chanting “Let’s Go Knicks” as soon as Stern announced the pick before New York’s.
They were delighted when New York took DePaul forward Wilson Chandler with the 23rd pick, hoping that he would be the next solid late first-round pick by Isiah Thomas. It was a very different scene from last year when fans were saying, “Fire Isiah” before the draft even started.
They booed even louder when the Knicks drafted Renaldo Balkman, an unknown. But Balkman became a fan favorite with his spirited play, making him the last of Thomas’ late first-round finds.
In 2005, New York took David Lee with the 30th pick.
Chandler played two seasons at DePaul before declaring for the draft. He averaged 14.6 points and 7.0 rebounds to earn second team All-Big East Conference honors.
“I’m very excited,” Chandler said. “It’s a great opportunity. It’s a traditional court, a good basketball squad and a great coach and a great city.”
The Knicks would have had the ninth pick in the draft, but Chicago had the right to swap to complete the Eddy Curry trade from 2005. The Bulls took New York native Joakim Noah with the ninth pick.
Add A Comment