NEW YORK - Unable to trade up in the lottery, the Knicks held on to the No. 8 pick and selected French point guard Frank Ntilikina, who was promptly greeted with a mix of cheers and boos when his name was announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at Barclays Center.

"To be here is just like a dream come true," the upbeat Ntilikina said on ESPN. "To be here in the U.S. and enjoying the process with my family it's like a dream come true."

He added of the Knicks: "Great organization, great history and can't wait to play basketball and win a championship." The Knicks' last championship came in 1973.

After arriving at Liberty International Airport in Newark on Tuesday, Ntilikina met Wednesday morning with Knicks President Phil Jackson, GM Steve Mills and coach Jeff Hornacek.

The BIG3, set to kick off Sunday, June 25th at the Barclays Center, is a basketball league that figures to give nostalgic fans an opportunity to look back on fond memories of their basketball fandoms by featuring some of their favorite players. For the returning retirees, it's a chance to prove they actually have something left in the tank while re-creating that special bond between NBA players.

It's fitting that the summer session kicks off in the Big Apple given that former Knicks are sprinkled mightily across these rosters. Six teams of the eight feature at least one alumni who wore orange and blue during his NBA career, including the likes of Kenyon Martin, Al Harrington, Mike Bibby, and even player/coach Charles Oakley. The list goes on.

In the latest installment of JRSportBrief on SNY.tv, JR discusses the Knicks' selection of French point guard Frank Ntilikina.

The Knicks have signed Wisconsin PF Nigel Hayes after he went unselected on Thursday night during the NBA Draft.

The 22-year-old Hayes, who averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists during his senior year at Wisconsin, will play for the Knicks' summer league team, according to the NY Post.

When Hayes was in New York in March for the NCAA Tournament, he criticized the city -- something his agent he said was a joke.

Former Kentucky SG Malik Monk is surprised the Knicks passed on him with the eighth overall pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft.

"I actually thought the Knicks would take me," Monk said, according to the NY Post. He was selected by the Hornets with the 11th pick.

The Knicks opted for French PG Frank Ntilikina with the eighth pick.

Damyean Dotson, the former Oregon and Houston guard who was the MVP of the Portsmouth Invitational, was selected with the 44th pick of the NBA Draft by the Knicks.

The 6-foot-5 Dotson, who averaged 17.4 points and 6.9 rebounds last season at Houston, is considered a prototypical "3-and-D" guy. He was ranked eighth nationally with 3.38 made three-pointers per game and shot 44.3 percent from behind the arc.

"Man, this is a dream come true for me, but I bring a versatility, great attitude and effort, probably the best teammate the Knicks -- probably the best player and the best teammate that anybody on the Knicks ever had," Dotson said.

In Thursday night's NBA draft, the Knicks selected Frank Ntilikina, Damyean Dotson and Ognjen Jaramaz. 

Elsewhere, blunders cost the Yankees, the Mets continue their skid, and the two local MLS teams gear up for the Hudson River Derby. 

The Knicks selected Serbian point guard Ognjen Jaramaz with the 58th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft on Thursday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Jaramaz, 21, will join the Knicks Summer League team in Orlando but is expected to remain in Europe next season. 

The Knicks selected SG Knicks SG Damyean Dotson with 44th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft on Thursday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The Knicks selected point guard Frank Ntilikina with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft on Thursday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Ntilikina, 18, was the MVP of the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship in 2016 and is a two-time French League Best Young Player winner.

Scouting report... 

In 44 games of international competition for Strasbourg in 2016-17, Ntilikina averaged 5.3 points and three assists per game. He is known for his versatility and high IQ, according to Mike Schmitz of Draft Express. 

The Celtics and Suns, who were engaged in trade talks with the Knicks regarding Kristaps Porzingis, selected their draft picks without completing any trades.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Knicks were looking to deal Porzingis for a top-four pick in the draft in order to select Josh Jackson out of the University of Kansas, but he was drafted by The Suns. The Knicks instead drafted Frank Ntilinkina.

The Celtics had sent trade offers to the Knicks, but neither side came close to completing a deal, according to ESPN's Ian Begley.

French PG prospect Frank Ntilikina met with the Knicks Wednesday morning, according to Adam Zagoria.

Ntilikina met with Knicks president Phil Jackson, general manager Steve Mills, and head coach Jeff Hornacek. There were no specifics to the conversation the two sides had. Ntilikina said that the team wanted to meet with him in person, per ESPN's Ian Begley.

Jackson, who has attended several workouts for players the team is interested in, was reportedly falling in and out of sleep during a workout for a Top 15 prospect, reports Jay Williams of ESPN.

Knicks owner, James Dolan, won't be present for the 2017 NBA Draft because his band "JD & The Straight Shot" have a show to perform, per CBS Sports' Jack Maloney. 

Dolan will be performing from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. at City Winery in New York even though the Knicks have a big night ahead of them.

News has circulated that Knicks president Phil Jackson is willing to deal away F Kristaps Porzingis if the right deal surfaces. The team currently has the No. 8 pick in the draft. 

Since the news of the Knicks possibly trading away F Kristaps Porzingis surfaced, teams have taken to social media to recruit the young star, per NY Post's Jaclyn Hendricks.

The latest stems from Mallory Edens, the daughter of Bucks' owner Wes Edens, as she hilariously referenced Porzingis' "unicorn" nickname. 

In a separate Tweet, she told Porzingis, "we got a plane heading from NYC to MKE tmrw afternoon if u need a ride."

Duke SG Luke Kennard thinks he can work well in the Knicks' triangle offense after his workout with the team last week, per NY Daily News' Daniel Popper. 

Kennard confirmed he worked out for the Knicks at NBA Draft Media Day Wednesday. The triangle was a point of emphasis in the "very structured" workout, and Kennard thinks he can flourish in it.

"You can make multiple reads in it, and I'm strong in that category," he said. "I was able to do that at Duke in different ways, and I liked it. I think it's a good thing."

President Phil Jackson, head coach Jeff Hornace

SNY's Eamon McAnaney reports on the state of basketball in New York City, which may be losing its claim as the epicenter of hoops talent. 

The New York Knicks have failed trade Kristaps Porzingis prior to the NBA draft. 

Elsewhere, the Mets lose to the Dodgers again, The Rangers lose Oscar Lindberg in the expansion draft and the Yankees end their seven-game losing streak  

Michelle Yu catches up with all of the top prospects heading into Thursday night's NBA draft in Brooklyn. 

The Knicks have Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell Jr., the son of Mets director of player relations Donovan Mitchell, on their radar for the 2017 NBA Draft, per Marc Berman of NY Post. 

Knicks president Phil Jackson flew out to watch Mitchell, Jr. at Creative Artists Agency's pro day in L.A., along with Kentucky PG De'Aaron Fox.

The elder Mitchell, who played seven seasons in the Astros' farm system, is ecstatic to see the potential of his son being a lottery pick. 

Keith Schlosser, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive

The NBA Draft is an event that leads to speculation and rumors galore, but no one could have predicted the talk of Phil Jackson considering trades for Kristaps Porzingis.

He's officially sent the basketball world into a frenzy. With that in mind, a plethora of potentially surprising outcomes are on the table for the Knicks leading into Thursday. Here's a look at four more prospects they could consider.

Dennis Smith Jr.

The Knicks have certainly done their research and continued to watch Smith Jr. closely, and rightfully so. At eighth overall, the top notch point guards in this draft could very well be off the board and this young gun is seemingly just a cut below the rest of the best.

Knicks president Phil Jackson has not ruled out the possibility of trading F Kristaps Porzingis, and many teams are interested, per The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.

In talks with the Suns about Porzingis, the Knicks have expressed interest in acquiring either Devin Booker or Marquese Chriss and the fourth overall pick in Thursday night's NBA Draft, according to Yahoo! Sports, though Phoenix is not interested in dealing either Booker or Chriss.

Jackson had said trading Porzingis was "off the table" already this offseason, but clearly that isn't the case. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, Porzingis' brother, Janis, says the New York star wants to stay with the Knicks and will play out his contract. If he is traded, though, he will explore free agency.

Louisville prospect, PG Donovan Mitchell, is scheduled to workout for the Knicks Wednesday, per ESPN's Ian Begley. 

The workout, which was moved from Tuesday, will likely be the last one held by the Knicks before the 2017 NBA Draft Thursday. 

The Knicks like Mitchell because of his athleticism and defensive skillset. Playing for a high-profile team in Louisville, they also believe he will be able to handle playing in the Big Apple. 

Keith Schlosser, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive

Malik Monk's draft stock has steadily risen, especially as the Philadelphia 76ers, who own the No. 3 pick, are among the teams to consider the former Kentucky guard. As he began to work out in New York as part of his draft preparation last month, the youngster coyly said he was hoping he wouldn't necessarily get the opportunity to play for the Knicks, optimistic a team would draft him before No. 8.

But after attending his local pro day at the end of May, a recent mock from DraftExpress has Monk falling right into the New York's lap.

In the latest episode of Timeout with Taylor Rooks, NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant joins the show to discuss how much he has changed since coming into the league, the impact his mom has on his life, and his love of music.

Durant touched on a variety of topics including:

• His role with the Warriors, "I just tried to figure out what my role was from Day 1. It took me some time to figure it out. But, I wasn't coming in there to be the vocal leader. That's Draymond's [Green] job. I wasn't coming in there to be the face of the organization or team. That's Steph's [Curry] job. I was just coming in there just trying to be me and add to what they have already."
• About respect, "I care more about respect in my game. As far as personality wise, I don't. If you don't respect how I play, that's what gets me."
• His pre game routine, "I listened to Frank Ocean all year. That kinda like relaxed me a lot. That was kinda the soundtrack to my season. That whole Frank Ocean album…2 Chainz kinda brings me to where I need to be, so you got to level out and be right in the middle."

Click below to listen!

Keith Schlosser, SNY.tv

The Knicks may have a big crush on international guard Frank Ntilikina, but their date will have to be indefinitely postponed. Already proving he knows how to win, the 18-year old is in the midst of leading his Strabourg club into the French League Final. Such a commitment to likely to prevent him from working out for NBA teams prior to the draft, according to the New York Post.

But that doesn't mean the curiosity still isn't there. There's so much to like and even more to be intrigued over when it comes to Ntilikina. As the draft's youngest prospect, he has great upside. His versatile skill set would also provide the Knicks with many things they desperately need, especially coming from the point guard position. The fact that unaware teams may not get a closer look before the draft could work in New York's favor.

Regardless of his position, Ntilikina is in a class of his own due to his defensive prowess. At 6'5", he's physically strong and has the ability to hold his own defending both guard positions. Phil Jackson has been known to favor taller point guards over the years, and Ntilikina undoubtedly fits the bill. His man-to-man ball pressure quickly smothers an opposing player. Ntilikina keeps his cool relatively well, but still has the agility necessary to pick up the pace and chase an opposing ball-handler down the floor as well. Not only is he quick, but his instincts are already matured due to his experience playing abroad. Ntilikina isn't one to get fooled off the dribble.

Keith Schlosser, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive

As Thursday's NBA Draft inches closer, the anticipation surrounding what the Knicks will do with the eighth overall pick and beyond only continues to grow. They have a number of pressing needs to address, but there are an abundance of ways to do that. 

Here's a look at just a few of the prospects the Knicks could consider come draft time...

Keith Schlosser, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive

The Knicks are in dire need of a skilled orchestrating floor general with an unselfish nature. Luckily for them, players with such a skill set are sprinkled all over the 2017 NBA Draft. 

Though the draft may be the most sensible way of securing their point guard of the future, it isn't the only opportunity this team will have. New York could opt to pay a premium, and target a more established free agent like Jrue Holiday this summer. They could flip Courtney Lee to the Timberwolves for Ricky Rubio, or put their faith in Austin Rivers following a potential Carmelo Anthony deal with the Clippers.

This organization has been known to do things that are considered off the beaten path, especially with Phil Jackson running basketball operations. Could they go rogue once again? That could certainly be the case as they target North Carolina's Justin Jackson.

Keith Schlosser, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive

Lauri Markkanen's stock has been steadily rising as one of the better frontcourt players in this year's draft class. His skill set is definitely unique and well-favored in today's evolving NBA as a big man with terrific range. As a freshman, Markkanen not only logged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, but also shot an impressive 49 percent from the field, 42 percent from deep, and 84 percent from the line.

But the Knicks need a point guard. As they look to make improvements across the roster this summer, finding a floor general of the future figures to be a priority.

Knicks and Nets prepping for the draft: With the NBA draft just two days away, the Knicks and Nets are preparing their first-round pick selections. The Knicks will have the eighth pick in the first round, and the Nets will have the 22nd and 27th. 

Elsewhere in New York sports the Mets dropped a slugfest to the Dodgers, a Jets legend passes away, and the Yankees lose their top prospect to injury for the remainder of the season. 

SNY's Justine Ward talks to De'Aaron Fox at his documentary screening to learn his thoughts about potentially being drafted by the Knicks.

Keith Schlosser, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive

About 3 1/2 months ago, there was talk of NC State's Dennis Smith, Jr. standing tall as a top-five pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Regarded as a special prospect in this point guard-heavy draft, Smith Jr.'s stock has wavered as that of others has risen. 

The fact of the matter is this: there are so many talented floor generals in this draft that quality players are simply bound to slip through the cracks a little bit. This means the Knicks will likely be able to come away with the player they need, despite having fallen to eighth overall.

Smith averaged an impressive 6.2 assists during his freshman year and was often able to find his teammates in transition. His speed allows him to attack the defense and penetrate, all while giving his teammates enough time to spread the floor and expose the defense as Smith finds them for high-percentage looks. Unfortunately, sometimes such explosiveness can lead to overzealous play.

In the latest installment of JRSportBrief on SNY.tv, JR explains why the Knicks can't trust Phil Jackson as the NBA Draft approaches.

Pacers F Paul George has reportedly told the team he plans to leave as a free agent after the 2017-18 season, according to the Associated Press.

The Pacers have already spoken to the Cavaliers about a potential George trade, according to ESPN. The Lakers are also a possible destination for George, according to the NY Post.

The Cavaliers -- along with the Celtics and others -- have reportedly been interested in Carmelo Anthony, who the Knicks intend to trade this summer.

Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell will work out with the Knicks on Tuesday and meet with team president Phil Jackson after, reports Ian Begly of ESPN.

The Knicks, who have the eighth overall pick in the draft, are said to be especially interested in Mitchell's skills and versatility as a defensive player, according to ESPN.

Louisville head coach Rick Pitino recently said he believes Mitchell would be a good fit with the Knicks.

Keith Schlosser, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive

The Knicks have the luxury of two formidable building blocks in Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez. As it currently stands, Carmelo Anthony is still in town and his no-trade clause will make him difficult to move, if Phil Jackson's continued critiques of his star haven't turned teams off already. The frontcourt represents some assurance for New York. Unfortunately, the backcourt doesn't boast the same amount of stability.

The Knicks desperately need a point guard. Their team has lacked intelligent and unselfish floor generals to rely on dating back to their Atlantic Division title in 2012-13. Luckily enough, they'll have their pick of the litter for such a player, even at the eighth spot.

Among those expected to be available, Malik Monk has more notoriety as a well known NCAA stud. He has great speed and is more of an explosive scorer. He'd bring excitement to the bright lights of the Big Apple, but isn't as natural of a facilitator. It remains to be seen if he can be the player the Knicks need.

Knicks PG Derrick Rose wants to stay in New York next season, and is willing to take a pay cut, per Bleacher Report's Yaron Weitzman. 

Rose, who underwent knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in April, is back on the free agency block this offseason. According to his agent, B.J. Armstrong, he doesn't want to leave the Big Apple. 

"Derrick loves New York and wants to be there," Armstrong said. "We've expressed that tot hem and been very consistent about it. Whether it happens is on them; all we can do is be clear."

Warriors PG Shaun Livingston, who made $5.7 million this season in the final year of a three-year contract, is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Livingston, 31, averaged 5.1 points, 1.8 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 76 games with the Warriors this season.

The Knicks, again in rebuilding mode, are expected to trade Carmelo Anthony and perhaps some of their other veterans this summer.

If Phi Jackson and the Knicks are unable to find a trade partner for Carmelo Anthony, New York could decide to use the stretch provision on the star forward, according to Marc Berman of the NY Post.

The new collective bargaining agreement kicks in on July 1, and still contains the stretch provision clause. This clause involves waiving a player and spreading his cap hit out past the seasons in which he is under contract.

Anthony has two years and $54.1 million remaining on his five-year deal with New York. If Jackson were to cut Anthony between July 1 and August 31, under the stretch provision, the $54.1 million would be spread evenly onto the cap over the next five seasons.

Kentucky SG Malik Monk worked out for the Knicks earlier this week, with much of the workout revolving around the triangle offense, he confirmed to Ian Begley of ESPN. 

Monk, who also had dinner with Phil Jackson, said he would fit well with the Knicks due to the 'constant motion' of the triangle.

Monk averaged 19.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 45 percent and 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Former Knicks PG Pablo Prigioni has taken a head coaching job with Baskonia, which plays in the Euro League in Spain, according to SB Nation.

The Knicks had been interested in hiring Prigioni as an assistant coach, according to a reprt in Sportando last month.

The 40-year-old Prigioni played with the Knicks from 2012 to 2015 before finishing his career with the Rockets and Clippers.

The Knicks will attend a private workout on Thursday for North Carolina State guard Dennis Smith Jr., reports Ian Begley of ESPN.

Smith, Jr. was expected to work out for the Knicks on last Wednesday, but the workout did not take place, Begley reported.

It is unclear why Smith Jr. did not work out for the Knicks, but he was in New York and did meet with team president Phil Jackson, per Adam Zagoria. 

Smith Jr. averaged 18.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in his only season with NC State. The ACC Freshman of the Year is projected by many to be a top pick, and may not be there when New York makes its first selection at No. 8...

North Carolina's top scoring threat, Justin Jackson, said his workout with the Knicks Tuesday was entirely different than the rest he has participated in, per NY Post's Marc Berman. 

Jackson, who played a vital role in UNC's championship run this past season, had six workouts prior to his visit with the Knicks. This one was unique. 

"It was more teaching than all the other ones," Jackson said. "With the triangle and the other types of offenses they run, I would say it was a little more mental than physical."

French PG Frank Ntilikina has been on the Knicks' radar in the upcoming NBA draft, and the interest is mutual, according to Stefan Bondy of NY Daily News. 

The youngest prospect in the draft at 18, Ntilikina thinks New York could be a place he can thrive in the NBA.

"I watch a lot of their games and I know how they play with their triangle offense with Phil Jackson as the president, and I know the players," Ntilikina said. "I think it would be a good thing for me."

Knicks owner, James Dolan, told Fox 5 Monday that whenever he is asked about the Knicks, he responds by saying, "Ask Phil." 

Dolan continued by saying he has no involvement in the moves his team makes. Rather, he leaves that duty to Knicks president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills.   

This isn't the first time Dolan has made comments like these. He told The Michael Kay Show that he "literally turned over the entire basketball operations to Phil and to Steve (Mills)."