Who Should The Knicks Draft?

Following the big news of Mikal Bridges, New York still has a draft to look forward to tonight. Retaining all of their picks in this year's draft, the team has been reported to be packaging a combination of the picks in a trade. With that being said, we will not know where the Knicks will be picking for certain until draft time. Nonetheless, let's take a look at some prospects that could potentially fit with New York.

List will be based off of roughly where the Knicks would be picking.

1. Jared McCain (Guard - Duke): A young player with raw talent and upside to play in this league. Showed great flashes of perimeter shooting and scoring in March Madness, willing his Duke team. Could be a nice player to gain some experience from DiVencenzo and Brunson, while contributing his shooting and improving his playmaking.
   

2. Kel'el Ware (Center - Indiana): A young big that has proven he can score on a struggling team. He was seen as a lob threat along with starting to stretch the floor out. If he can continue to shoot perimeter shots and at a high efficiency, this could be a big piece for New York. Not to mention he is a proven rim protector to help replace Robinson if he goes.
   

3. Johnny Furphy (Forward - Kansas): A theme with young raw players here, as the young forward showed flashes of driving to the rim and his ability to shoot at a high level of basketball. Though he wasn't a consistent and proven scorer, the upside is what is giving scouts what they want. Would certainly be a project, but could find his way quick with the team.
   

4. Ryan Dunn (Forward - Virginia): Certainly a player that would fit with the Knicks as he brings a large presence defensively. He has proven to be able to guard multiple positions and rim protect at just 6'8". The downside is his perimeter shooting, which is what you don't want to see at your 4 spot. Though he could be a huge piece on defense, and can rim run for his guards.
   

5. Daron Holmes II (Center - Dayton): A very athletic big that would benefit in the Knicks offensive. A proven scorer inside, and an improved shooter from the perimeter. Not only that, his defensive upside is phenomenal as he can guard the post, but also move his feet on other quicker players. A smaller size for a center, but can very easily work in todays NBA.
   

6. Terrance Shannon Jr. (Guard/Forward - Illinois): Bucket getter. Could certainly sum his game up in just those two words. He is a proven scorer that can create his own shot. His specialty is driving to rim with speed and finishing strong, but can very easily pull up in the mid-range or spot up beyond the arc. Would be able to plug into any offense that he enters. Will certainly have to work on his defense at the next level, but certainly has upside in that department.
   

7. Kyle Filipowski (Center - Duke): Another center to look into if New York does deal Mitchell Robinson. He is a big man that can stretch the floor and facilitate to teammates. Has great vision and offensive ability for his size, which can be valuable to the Knicks. Will have to work on his defense and ball protection, but can be seen as a glue guy for a team.
   

8. Harrison Ingram (Forward - UNC): An athletic wing with upside to be a good rotational piece for a team. He has proven to be a good playmaker for his position and has improved his perimeter shooting greatly. A great rebounder for his size at 6'5", which is perfect to be behind Josh Hart. Can certainly be a versatile defender as his athleticism can make him useful in guarding multiple positions. Would be a good player to plug into the Knicks system.
   

9. Jamal Shead (Guard - Houston): Could talk about this guy for hours. The absolute heart of a team, and someone that every coach would love to have. Arguably the best perimeter defender in the nation, which was a big part of that potent Houston defense. A proven scorer when he needs to be, using his athleticism to get to the hoop and make perimeter shots when called to. Most certainly a Thibs guy, therefore would fit right in with the Knicks. He is a smaller guard, but shouldn't be a problem with how big he plays. Reminiscent of Miles McBride.
   

10. Jalen Bridges (Forward - Baylor): A similar player to Mikal Bridges funny enough. A proven shooter and has shown how dynamic he can be beyond the arc. Good at getting open and creating for himself, which is an important quality for the guards he plays around. Good size and versatility on defense as he has proven to be a fantastic on ball defender. Another wing that can guard multiple positions and use his size for the better. Would fit into the Knicks scheme quite well.

What will the Knicks do come draft time? Whether the team decides to trade picks or not, the team will be in good hands if they make similar choices to the prospects listed above. Look out for New York in the NBA Draft tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Written by Anthony Ellis. 2024