For now, the city of New York is in complete and utter despair, but the situation could have been far worse (take a look at the Bulls, Hawks, Cavs, and Suns). If the Knicks believe that they will sign two max players this summer, R.J. Barrett may be a better player to help them win now.
Barrett is arguably the most NBA-ready player in this draft, and alongside his ability to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions, the Knicks can be flexible in their approach in free agency. Hang in there, Knicks fans.
Perhaps the second biggest winners of the night were the Los Angeles Lakers, jumping way up in the draft to take Jarrett Culver from Texas Tech. The only position that the Lakers did not have a young and solid option at was shooting guard and center. Although center may be a better fit, there is no big man worthy of the fourth overall pick here. Culver’s defense should help a Lakers’ team in need of an elite defensive presence.