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

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 15: Wendell Carter Jr.#34 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles against TK Edogi #13 of the Iona Gaels in the first half during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at PPG Paints Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

Projection: Top 10
Age: 18 (4/16/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 259 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .569/.442/.737
Season Averages: 26.9 MPG, 13.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.0 ORPG, 2.1 APG, 2.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 3PM

Wendell Carter Jr. is most comparable to current Boston Celtics big man Al Horford. He isn’t elite in any one area, but he contributes in every phase of the game and has the two-way versatility to play multiple positions and roles.

If the New York Knicks come to the conclusion that the best option would be to complement Kristaps Porzingis with a do-it-all center, then Carter could be the pick.

Offensively, Carter is a solid post player with a respectable midrange game and an improving three-point shot. He’s a high-quality offensive rebounder who’s willing to play physically in order to gain position down low and establish a position of control.

Perhaps most important of all: Carter is an excellent passer for a big man at this stage of his development, which creates intriguing high-post potential.

Defensively, Carter crashes the boards at a high level—a trait that the Knicks certainly need alongside Porzingis. He’s also a respectable shot-blocker who averages 3.2 blocks per 40 minutes and ranks No. 61 in the country in block percentage.

As the Knicks attempt to simplify the game for Porzingis on both ends of the floor, adding a big who can do a bit of everything would be a dream scenario.

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