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

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WICHITA, KS – MARCH 17: Malik Newman #14 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts as Ismael Sanogo #14 of the Seton Hall Pirates looks on in the second half during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Bank Arena on March 17, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Projection: Round 2
Age: 21 (2/21/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 190 pounds, 6’5″
Slash Line: .464/.409/.828
Season Averages: 30.9 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.1 3PM

Malik Newman was on the 2018 NBA Draft radar coming out of high school, but fell out of favor after an underwhelming freshman season. Seeing that his path to the Association wasn’t paved through Mississippi, he challenged himself and transferred to the University of Kansas.

During tournament play, Newman has validated the belief of many that he can be a high-level scorer in the modern NBA.

Newman has reached an entirely new level during the tournament portion of the season. He averaged 24.0 points per game during Kansas’ run to the Big 12 Tournament and scored 28 points during the Jayhawks’ 83-79 win over Seton Hall during the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament.

It may be a small sample size, but the Jayhawks standout has justified the NBA hype when the pressure has been heaviest on his shoulders.

Newman has the scoring ability to make an impact on every game he play. The key to unlocking his potential will be improving the consistency with which he defends and creates for his teammates, but he has solid foundational skills.

If the New York Knicks are searching for a player who can anchor the second unit, then Newman could be developed in the mold of Lou Williams.

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