The Knicks Fix

Greg Oden and Kevin Durant will go No. 1 and No. 2 one way or the other. After that, it's anyone's guess. And that carries right up to where the Knicks select at No. 23.

From now until next Thursday, when the NBA draft takes place, you'll read countless mock drafts and analysis pieces that suggest what teams, including the Knicks, have planned. All of this is based on nothing more than speculation and input from agents hoping their players get drafted higher than initially projected.

In other words, as Flavor Flav so eloquently said, don't buh-lee da hype.

Here's a short list of the most interesting names the Knicks have had in for workouts. Keep in mind the Nets, who pick at No. 17, were also part of these workouts.

MY BEST BET - Taurean Green, PG Florida: A proven winner with a coachable personality and attitude. His presence gives you options in the near future (read: Nate Robinson is expendable and Stephon Marbury will be an expiring contract after next season). Isiah Thomas could make him his personal protege and take his time in developing his game at the NBA level.

TYPICAL ISIAH SCENARIO - Wilson Chandler, SF/PF, DePaul: Sleeper pick who has remained mostly mysterious because an ankle injury has caused him to cancel workouts with some teams, including the Knicks. Yet reports claim Isiah Thomas is very high on this physically-gifted swingman who has as much upside (hops, scoring ability) as he does question marks (intensity, consistency).

TYPICAL KNICKS SCENARIO - Sean Williams, PF, Boston College: So many warning signs suggest to stay far away from this kid, who was kicked off his team during the season (he was a sophomore) and then he canceled all workouts with teams and instead, with John Lucas, invited teams in to watch him work out in his own, controlled, environment. So, naturally, you can see Isiah having a jones for this potential disaster, who also is an intriguing raw talent with dynamic athletic ability.

THE WILD CARD, Part I - Stephane Lasme, SF/PF, UMass: Whilwind kind of player, like Renaldo Balkman, but more of a frontcourt player. Long and thin, Lasme has terrific defensive instincts for the ball. He led the nation with 5.1 blocks per game. He and Balkman coming off the bench together would be a chaotic duo, at least for short bursts.

THE WILD CARD, Part II - Daequan Cook, Guard, Ohio State: Solid defender, good shooter and has a history with Isiah Thomas that goes back to when he was AAU teammates with Isiah's son. The Knicks don't really have a good stopper in the backcourt - Mardy Collins might be the only one consistent defender they have - so it wouldn't hurt to add someone. Which is why another Ohio State guard, Ron Lewis, could be a possibility. Lewis likens himself to Bruce Bowen and Raja Bell.

THE WILD CARD, Part III - Glen "Big Baby" Davis, PF, LSU: A physical monstrosity who has uncanny quickness and agility for his huge frame. Yet he seems undersized for a big man role at 6-8 and while he is a good jumper, he isn't a quick leaper. But with Eddy Curry, the Knicks would carry some serious weight in the paint and wear down opponents.

WORTH A SECOND THOUGHT - Marco Belinelli, SG, Italy: The Knicks haven't done much in the European market (can you blame them after the Frederic Weiss debacle?), but if Isiah is looking for a shooter, Bellinelli might be the one. He has the size (though he does need to bulk up) and the athleticism and right now has drawn comparisons to Jason Kapono and Kyle Korver.

DOUBT IT - Aaron Gray, C, Pittsburgh: Isiah told Gray he reminded him of his former teammate, BIll Laimbeer. Not sure that's the best endorsement.

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- Reports out of Minneapolis say Kevin McHale claims he's not "shopping" Kevin Garnett. But clearly he's listening to offers. The Boston Herald says the Celtics are moving closer to making something happen, which would consist of Al Jefferson and the No. 5 pick. The Knicks can't do better than that?

- Looks like the Trail Blazers want one last look. Oden worked out in Portland on Wednesday. Durant is due in Friday. I guess Sam Presti's first job as Sonics GM is easy. Whomever the Blazers do not take, he takes at No. 2. If, somehow, the Blazers take Durant and the Sonics take Oden, Rashard Lewis's future suddenly remains in Seattle.

- Wondering who gets the $5 million ring this time when Kobe realizes he's not getting traded and has to show up for Lakers' training camp in October? Mitch Kupchak or Andrew Bynum?