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New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft prospects to watch in Final Four

By Maxwell Ogden

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats watches his three point shot during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats watches his three point shot during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 24: Charles Matthews #1 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after he dunks the ball in the first half against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional Final at Staples Center on March 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 24: Charles Matthews #1 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after he dunks the ball in the first half against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional Final at Staples Center on March 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Projection: Second Round
Age: 21 (11/15/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 200 pounds, 6’9″
Slash Line: .496/.320/.574
Season Averages: 29.9 MPG, 13.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 0.8 3PM

Emerging from the ashes of a shattered region of the bracket, Michigan Wolverines shooting guard Charles Matthews has emerged as a viable 2018 NBA Draft prospect. Some will question how legitimate his emergence truly is, but the working theory is that he’s entered Round 2.

If the New York Knicks are looking for an athletic wing who can potentially defend multiple positions, then adding Matthews in the second round could be an answer.

Matthews is still developing his skill set, but what makes him an appealing prospect is that he has prototypical measurements and elite athleticism. His 6’6″ frame and 6’9″ wingspan should help him thrive at the next level, and his explosive leaping ability is nothing short of compelling.

For a Knicks team that sorely lacks athleticism along the wings, Matthews’ physical traits alone could make him a reward target in Round 2.

As far as his skill set is concerned, what currently works for Matthews is his slashing ability and overall transition value. Whether he’s taking it to the rack himself or unselfishly setting his teammates up, he can do it all in the open floor.

If the Knicks help Matthews develop a reliable jump shot, he could potentially emerge as one of the bigger steals of the 2018 NBA Draft.

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