New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on Mar. 17

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Stanford Robinson #13 of the Rhode Island Rams is defended by Wendell Carter Jr.#34 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

In terms of NBA-caliber duos, the Duke Blue Devils have the best interior duo in the country. Power forward Marvin Bagley III is a candidate to go No. 1 overall and center Wendell Carter Jr. should join him as a top-10 selection in the 2018 NBA Draft.

During the Round of 32, Carter continued to display the Al Horford potential that he possesses as a future two-way NBA standout.

Carter didn’t reinvent the wheel, but he played an efficient and reliable game on both ends of the floor. He tallied 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block in just 19 minutes of play during the 87-62 blowout victory.

Carter also shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the field and 1-of-1 from the free throw line in a performance that displayed his uncanny ability to play without the ball.

Comparing Carter to Horford is ambitious, but he can do it all at a respectable level on both ends of the floor. He can shoot, pass, and post up with efficiency, and can both protect the rim and defend the pick and roll at respectable levels.

Some may question why the New York Knicks should look into drafting a center, but Carter could make the game significantly easier for Kristaps Porzingis.

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