June 22 (UPI) -- Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson says other teams are calling about Kristaps Porzingis and he thinks the New York Knicks can get a starter in the NBA Draft.
He sat down Wednesday for an interview on the MSG Networks.
Jackson said he thinks the Knicks can "eventually" get a starting player at the No. 8 spot in Thursday's 2017 NBA Draft.
"Eventually, for sure, that's kind of what we say in this draft that in the first 12 to 14 players you are going to get a good player or starter," the Knicks' president said. "This is a good draft. Maybe not to begin...a 19 or 18-year-old body is not ready for that level of depth and intensity, duration, physicality, but yeah we hope to get a productive player."
Related
Jackson said the decision will be tough at that draft spot, but there is a "good chance" the team opts to select a guard. DraftExpress.com currently has the Knicks projected to take Kentucky freshman shooting guard Malk Monk. He averaged 19.4 points per game this season for the Wildcats.
Speculation has surrounded the Knicks' best players, Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony, all offseason.
Reports emerged Wednesday that the Knicks were considering trading its 'Unicorn' in Porzingis.
"We are getting calls," Jackson told the MSG Networks. "As much as we value Kristaps and what he has done for us, when a guy doesn't show up at an exit meeting everybody starts speculating on the duration or movability from a club and we've been getting calls. We are listening, but we are not intrigued yet at this level. As much as we love this guy, we have to do what's good for our club."
Jackson explained that he would pull off the move for the "future" of the franchise. He speculated that such a trade could bring a return of two starters and a draft pick or even more. He also said that in 25 years of coaching, he didn't "think" he has ever had a player not show up to an exit meeting.
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft posted 16.1 points per game and 7.3 rebounds in two seasons with the Knicks.
League sources said the 'Zen Master' had dinner with Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen on Monday in New York, according to the Vertical. He could opt for the college big-man as a replacement if he sheds Porzingis.
A "frenzy of interest" was growing on Wednesday from teams around the league considering the addition of the versatile Latvian, according to the Vertical.
Jackson also reiterated that Anthony wants to stay with the franchise, but it "might be time for him to find an opportunity to go somewhere else."
Despite the Knicks posting a 117-211 record and .554 winning percentage in his four seasons as an executive with the franchise, Jackson maintains confidence.
"I think we know what we are doing," he told the MSG Networks.
