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New York Knicks: Top 16 2018 NBA Draft prospects in the Sweet 16

By Maxwell Ogden

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks the ball against the Rhode Island Rams 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 Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks the ball against the Rhode Island Rams 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 Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – JANUARY 11: Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) shoots a free throw during the SEC Men’s basketball game between the LSU Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies on January 11, 2017, at Reed Arena in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – JANUARY 11: Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) shoots a free throw during the SEC Men’s basketball game between the LSU Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies on January 11, 2017, at Reed Arena in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Projection: Late Lottery
Age: 20 (10/17/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9″, 241 pounds, 7’5.5″
Slash Line: .627/.000/.478
Season Averages: 25.6 MPG, 10.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.4 APG, 2.6 BPG, 0.8 SPG

The general consensus is that the New York Knicks will select a perimeter player at the 2018 NBA Draft. With both Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn headed to free agency, however, it’s possible that the Knicks will look to find a center who can fit alongside Kristaps Porzingis.

If that proves to be the goal, then few players will be more realistic options than Texas A&M Aggies standout Robert Williams.

Williams is an explosive athlete with a gigantic wingspan and elite instincts as a shot-blocker. He’s also a vastly improved rebounder who ranked No. 157 in defensive rebound percentage in 2016-17, but is up to No. 23 in 2017-18.

Due to his length, athleticism, poor free throw shooting, and college of origin, there have been a somewhat unsurprising arrival of DeAndre Jordan comparisons.

Whether or not you believe those comparisons are fair, Williams has the tools to be an impact player in the NBA. He not only thrives in protecting the rim and rebounding, but he can defend the perimeter and shut down the pick and roll.

Add his solid midrange jump shot and Williams has all of the tools to help Porzingis turn the Knicks into a defensive juggernaut in 2018-19 and beyond.

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