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

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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 25: Omari Spellman #14 of the Villanova Wildcats high fives Donte DiVincenzo #10 during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Projection: Second Round/Undrafted
Age: 20 (7/21/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 245 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .482/.446/.691
Season Averages: 28.1 MPG, 10.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 0.8 APG, 1.5 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 1.6 3PM

The fourth and final member of the Villanova Wildcats who surfaces on this list is redshirt freshman Omari Spellman. A nearly 6’10” big man with a long wingspan and a modern offensive game, Spellman has intriguing NBA potential.

Spellman is at least one year away from being an NBA-caliber backup, but his ceiling is that of a strategy-busting starter in a small-ball set.

Any time a near 6’10” player is shooting well over 40 percent from beyond the arc, NBA general managers will pay attention. Spellman still has some excess weight to lose and an identity to develop on offense, but he certainly fits the stretch big bill.

With 62 three-point field goals made on 44.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc, Villanova’s bruising big man has quite the finesse aspect to his game.

With a long wingspan and the flashed ability to protect the rim, Spellman could develop into a quality defender at the next level. He’ll need to tone his body and improve his quickness, but he’s already working well within the scheme.

At the very least, the New York Knicks could help Spellman become a quality backup with two-way value on a team-friendly contract.

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