New York Knicks: A January Evaluation Of 2017 NBA Draft Targets

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Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) shoots the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Duane Notice (10) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Bam Adebayo, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Forward/Center
Age: 19 (7/18/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 258 pounds, 7’1.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .610/.000/.618
2016-17 Season Averages: 26.9 MPG, 13.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 1.7 BPG

The New York Knicks don’t need another big man with Willy Hernangomez, Joakim Noah, and Kyle O’Quinn already on the roster. Hernangomez and O’Quinn have tantalizing upside that they’re beginning to realize and Noah is still an elite rebounder.

If Phil Jackson determines that those one of those three players can’t be the interior anchor that the New York Knicks need, Bam Adebayo could be the player to target.

From a physical perspective, Adebayo is built like Dwight Howard with broad and powerful shoulders, a 39.5″ max vertical leap, and intriguing agility. He puts those physical traits to use by making his mark along the defensive interior with blocked shots and box outs.

Adebayo has slid down some draft boards due to the somewhat raw nature of his game, but he’s as moldable and alluring a prospect as any in this draft class.

Offensively, Adebayo has shown an ability to knock down midrange jump shots and work the pick and roll. He has the frame to be a post player, as well, and has the combination of strength and physicality to become an elite offensive rebounder.

If the Knicks are looking to build around Kristaps Porzingis, then complementing him with a bruising defensive stalwart who dunks through contact would be the optimal approach.

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