CHAPTER 2
The 2011 Draft
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Inside the Knicks' draft room
June 23, 2011
"If you accept this job you have to be mentally strong, there will be lots of challenges and tribulations but you have to stay focused. THEY will force you to do things that won't make sense. But you've got to always try and do what is best for the organization and the fans. And don't forget to always watch your back kid."
Those words struck Zoilo the most. It came from his mentor and former Knicks President Donnie Walsh before he retired last month. He still wasn't sure what Donnie was implying but for him, "so far so good." James Dolan has given him full control of the team and hadn't questioned any of his moves.
"Sir, Mr. Dolan is on line he says he wants to speak with you," June, his secretary said while handing him the phone. But Zoilo didn't respond and was still staring into space.
"SIR! He says this is urgent," she exclaimed which brought him back to his senses.
"Oh, Sorry June. I Just got caught in my thoughts, hand me the phone," Z said.
He had just drafted rebounding machine Kenneth Faried out of Morehead State in the first round and was just minutes away from deciding who will be the Knicks second round pick for 2011. The Grizzlies just selected Markieff Morris as the 40th pick of the draft which leaves New York with only one prospect left on their list.
"Hello sir, this is Zoilo. What's this important thing you want to talk about?"
Dolan's answer was mind-boggling.
"WHAT?? You want me to draft a guy our scouts didn't even lay an eye on? This is a joke right?" Zoilo questioned.
"No! I'm dead serious about this. I absolutely love the kid, I think he will be awesome for our team." Dolan said.
"But sir we have a pretty good chance of drafting Jordan Wiliams, he'll be a steal this late in the draft! We can't let this opportunity get away. critics would assume that this was all a publicity stunt," he pleaded to the Knicks owner.
"I don't care what they say. I am the OWNER of this team and I call the shots around here, just do it or join the unemployment line!" Dolan shouted as he hung up his phone.
"FUCK! I'll be burned at the stake for this," an obviously furious Zoilo shouted.
Now he understands what Walsh told him when he took over. What Dolan wants Dolan gets, and there is nothing you can do about it. Z was still fuming when an NBA representative knocked on their door.
"Sir, the Knicks are up. You have 2 minutes to make your pick," the guy said.
"Man, this is bullshit..." Z said to himself.
Moments later ...
"With the 46th pick of the 2011 NBA draft, the New York Knicks select....."
Draft Faried 
The Timberwolves trade the 6th pick of the 2011 draft, 
The Rockets trade the 7th pick of the 2011 draft & 
The Jazz trade the 9th and 39th pick of the 2011 draft to the Pistons for 
The Grizzlies trade the 10th pick of the 2011 draft & 
The Nets trade the 12th pick of the 2011 draft & 