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New York Knicks: A way too early 2018 NBA Mock Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MAY 18: Luka Doncic, #7 of Real Madrid during the 2017 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four Real Madrid Practice at Sinan Erdem Dome on May 18, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Luca Sgamellotti/EB via Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MAY 18: Luka Doncic, #7 of Real Madrid during the 2017 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four Real Madrid Practice at Sinan Erdem Dome on May 18, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Luca Sgamellotti/EB via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 14: Nick Richards #23 Kentucky, in action during the Jordan Brand Classic, National Boys Team All-Star basketball game at The Barclays Center on April 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 14: Nick Richards #23 Kentucky, in action during the Jordan Brand Classic, National Boys Team All-Star basketball game at The Barclays Center on April 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Approaching the 2017-18 college basketball season, the word out of Lexington is that Nick Richards has Willie Cauley-Stein potential. Richards, who played high school basketball in New York and New Jersey, has the size, length, and athleticism to justify that claim.

The New York Knicks have a promising young center in Willy Hernangomez, but if he regresses in 2017-18, Richards could be a target.

Richards stands at just under 7’0″ and 239 pounds with a near 7’4″ wingspan. He has not trouble rising up and playing above the rim, which should make him an ideal pick and roll target for both Kentucky and his potential NBA team.

Richards also runs the floor well in transition, which is a strength that he can put to use if he improves his fundamentals in filling the lane.

The offensive contributions undeniably matter, but all eyes will be on Richards’ defense in 2017-18. He has the size, length, and athleticism to switch on the pick and roll, and should be an elite rim protector if he commits to the task.

Hernangomez is unlikely to take a significant step back in 2017-18, but a player like Richards could be insurance for the Knicks.

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