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New York Knicks: Top 10 2018 NBA Draft options as of the Final Four

By Maxwell Ogden

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts the net after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders 71-59 in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional to advance to the 2018 Final Four at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts the net after defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders 71-59 in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional to advance to the 2018 Final Four at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 13: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders brings the ball up court during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on January 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated West Virginia 72-71. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 13: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders brings the ball up court during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on January 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated West Virginia 72-71. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

I’m higher on Zhaire Smith than most, but if the New York Knicks were to utilize a top-10 draft pick to select him, it would be a justified decision. His ceiling is that of an elite two-way player who can both lock players down at multiple positions and score at virtual will.

This would be a significant project that would require the coaching staff’s full attention, but Smith is a generational athlete who has the tools to fit that bill as a player.

Defensively, Smith shows flashes of Andre Roberson potential in the way he legitimately locks opponents down in isolation. He utilizes his size and length to contain slashers, as well as his athleticism and instincts to make plays in the passing lanes.

Moreover: Smith displays the Kawhi Leonard ability to literally rip the ball out of an opponent’s hands and turn it into two points the other way.

Offensively, Smith’s game is currently based on his explosive leaping ability and natural instincts as a player. His skill set is still unrefined, but he has the basketball IQ to identify when to shoot or facilitate, and the raw talent to excel in both regards.

I admit that this is a pure project that may not pay off, but Smith has the athletic gifts of Gerald Green and the natural instincts of a star.

If the coaching staff develops his skill set, he could be an all-around star.

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