Knicks GM Scott Layden knows the chances of landing in the top three in tonight's LeBron James lottery are slim. The likeliest ping-pong ball scenario remains at 9.

Since Layden is as likely to trade a ninth pick as use it, it's no surprise he disputed the common notion the draft has just three impact players - James, Yugo center Darko Milicic and Carmelo Anthony.

Layden acknowledged he will explore pulling off another draft-day deal, packaging his first-rounder and a veteran such as Latrell Sprewell to add size. Hence, the need to increase the value of his pick.

"Everybody talks so much about the first three picks," Layden said. "But we believe this is a deep draft."