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New York Knicks: NBA Draft targets who shined on Day 1 of Sweet 16

By Maxwell Ogden

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: The Michigan bench and F Moritz Wagner (13) of the Michigan Wolverines erupt in excitement after a three pointer was scored towards the end of the game during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Sweet Sixteen round basketball game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Texas A&M Aggies on March 22, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: The Michigan bench and F Moritz Wagner (13) of the Michigan Wolverines erupt in excitement after a three pointer was scored towards the end of the game during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Sweet Sixteen round basketball game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Texas A&M Aggies on March 22, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 22: PJ Washington #25 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts after a play in the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 22: PJ Washington #25 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts after a play in the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Kentucky Wildcats were staring down disaster, but power forward PJ Washington stepped up with a stellar performance. He led the offense with an efficient display, dominated the boards, and even excelled on the defensive end of the floor.

The New York Knicks have a need for an athletic big who can alleviate pressure from Kristaps Porzingis on both ends of the floor, and Washington could fit the bill.

Washington was the only reason the Wildcats were even in the game against Kansas State. He recorded 18 points, 14 rebounds, six offensive boards, and three steals, shooting 5-of-7 from the field and going to the free throw line an insane 20 times.

Washington may have missed a vast majority of his free throws—a concerning truth—but his physical dominance was nothing short of heavily influential.

Washington has been the glue for Kentucky throughout the 2017-18 season. He’s been a driving force behind the offense’s success due to his ability to get the quick bucket via the pick and roll, and can fill multiple roles on the defensive end of the floor.

For the Knicks, watching Washington physically overwhelm opponents with his athleticism and massive wingspan should be an encouraging sign of Round 2 value.

Must Read: Energy continues to be a deciding factor

On day one of the Sweet 16, the New York Knicks were given plenty to process.

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