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REPORT: Knicks leaning toward picking a wing (or Obi Toppin) with the 8th pick

Toppin probably won’t fall that far, thank God.

Alabama v Auburn Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

We still have two more days until the NBA Draft. Can you feel the tension in the air, Knicks fans? The front office of Leon Rose has kept their cards pretty close to the vest, but some information is starting to leak out on their preferences for the No. 8 overall pick.

Those of you who are hoping the Knicks come away with a point guard at No. 8 may be out of luck, according to Newsday’s Steve Popper (subscription only):

“The latest word is that the team is leaning toward one of the wings who are highly regarded — Florida State’s duo of Devin Vassell and Patrick Williams, Auburn’s Isaac Okoro or, if he slips, Dayton’s power forward Obi Toppin.”

This shouldn’t come as a huge shock. The Knicks have worked out Vassell and Toppin, and there have been several reports that they love Toppin, who might not make it to No. 8. The idea of the Knicks choosing Toppin breaks my heart, as he profiles similar to Julius Randle — a scoring power forward who can’t defend to save his life — even if Toppin should provide more spacing. As for the other three, I would be cool with any of them, though Vassell happens to be my favorite.

Popper also mentions that the Knicks might draft a point guard with their next pick, No. 27 overall. That’s cool if they’re looking for a backup PG, but I don’t really think you’ll find a starter at the point there.

What do you think, Knicks fans? Are you dead set on picking a floor general at No. 8? Would you be happy with one of the wings, or are you a Toppin stan?