New York Knicks: Top 5 2018 NBA Draft targets before hiring head coach

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during player introductions prior to their game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during player introductions prior to their game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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OMAHA, NE – MARCH 25: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during player introductions prior to their game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE – MARCH 25: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during player introductions prior to their game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Hiring a new head coach could change the plans for the 2018 NBA Draft, but there are five prospects for the New York Knicks to know before a decision is made.


The New York Knicks are in the process of evaluating talent in more ways than some expected them to. Not only are the Knicks reviewing film and gathering information on free agents and NBA Draft targets, but they’re also interviewing candidates to become the next head coach.

Hiring a new head coach could change the plans that the organization has for the future, but it shouldn’t distract the front office from the vitality of the 2018 NBA Draft.

The introduction of a new head coach could change everything that the Knicks have planned for the annual selection process. One would like to think that they’d be on the same page as the front office, but a good general manager will be open to ideas, as well.

Thus, the identity of the team that the next head coach is attempting to create may not fit the players listed in these specific rankings.

Thus, rather than assuming what the next coach will be looking for, the focus here goes beyond who fills the current voids. Drafting for need isn’t always wise, but this list will attempt to blend addressing weaknesses with valuing talent.

The question is: Who are the top five 2018 NBA Draft targets for the New York Knicks for as long as the organization is without a head coach?