New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on Mar. 18

4 of 5

DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Vincent Edwards #12 of the Purdue Boilermakers shoots the ball against Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

When Purdue Boilermakers forward Vincent Edwards picked up two quick fouls, the Purdue Boilermakers fell behind. The offense stalled and the defense lost its luster, as the Butler Bulldogs pulled ahead and firmly controlled momentum.

As soon as Edwards reentered the game, however, Purdue turned things around and did what was necessary to move on to the Sweet 16 for a second consecutive season.

Edwards finished the 76-73 escape of Butler with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists, one block, and a steal in 27 minutes of play. He shot 6-of-8 from the field, 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-6 from the free throw line.

Despite getting into early foul trouble that created a misleading figure for his minutes played, Edwards was the most valuable player on the court.

Edwards is going to be a role player at the next level, but that description has received an unnecessarily negative connotation. Edwards is a player who picks his spots, can contribute in every phase of the game, and has the size, length, and athleticism to defend multiple positions.

For the New York Knicks, there shouldn’t be many Round 2 targets who have a better grade than Purdue’s do-it-all hybrid forward.

Home/Knicks Draft