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?
Age: 18 (6/4/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 195 pounds, 6’11”
Slash Line: .556/.450/.717
Season Averages: 28.4 PPG, 11.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 3PM
I’ve put my name on a bold claim that I’m willing to be wrong about: Zhaire Smith has superstar potential. A generational athlete with Gerald Green level explosiveness and Andre Roberson potential on defense, Smith should at least be a lockdown defender.
Coupled with advanced instincts for a player at this stage of their development, Smith has the foundation to become a star of the highest order.
Offensively, Smith is limited as far as what he can continuously do, but he already has a riveting foundation. He has excellent vision as a passer, is responsible with his shot selection, and has the natural ability to knock down open shots.
If Smith is willing to put the necessary work in to polish his fundamentals, then he could develop into a dynamic scorer and legitimate facilitator.
Defensively, Smith has the size, length, strength, and athleticism to defend multiple positions. Beyond the potential is what he’s already displayed the ability to do: Hound a ball-handler and literally rip the ball out of their hands.
Whether or not he maximizes his potential at the next level, Smith has all of the tools to be a perennial All-Star and All-Defense selectee.
Age: 19 (7/12/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 180 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .485/.404/.817
Season Averages: 33.7 MPG, 14.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 3PM
The New York Knicks have three promising young point guards in Trey Burke, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Frank Ntilikina. Ntilikina has displayed the ability to work without the ball, however, and neither Burke nor Mudiay have the track record to prove they’ll sustain success.
If the Knicks are looking to build a unique vision—or at least keep up with the Philadelphia 76ers—then Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should receive serious consideration.
Gilgeous-Alexander is a 6’6″ point guard with a 7’0″ wingspan, which is reason enough to at least do one’s homework. The mere thought of a backcourt shared by he and Ntilikina is compelling, as they could seamlessly switch defensive assignments.
For a Knicks team that desperately needs to improve on defense, having two guards with elite size and length for either backcourt position would be a critical advantage.
Offensively, Gilgeous-Alexander is a fearless scorer who has the tools to develop into a 20-a-night type of player. He can shoot with three-point range or take his man off the bounce, and is more than adequately equipped to facilitate the offense when his shot isn’t falling.
Gilgeous-Alexander has star potential on both ends of the floor, and would be a perfect fit alongside Ntilikina in a fluid and unorthodox backcourt.
Age: 19 (4/16/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 259 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .561/.413/.738
Season Averages: 26.9 MPG, 13.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 3PM
New York Knicks fans are likely tired of seeing centers listed as options in free agency or the NBA Draft. The reality here, however, is that Wendell Carter Jr. has Al Horford potential as the ultimate glue guy at the center position.
A player who can adapt to the strengths of his teammates, Carter has the tools to be one of the true gems of the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Horford comparison is based on the fact that Carter doesn’t have an elite skill, but does everything at an average or better level. He has a strong post presence and is a productive rebounder, a gifted passer, and a versatile defender who can defend the pick and roll, and protect the rim.
Carter has even displayed three-point range on his jump shot, although it will take him time to adjust to the 24-foot line in the NBA.
For the Knicks, adding a big like Carter would essentially be combining Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn into one player. Carter can be a bruising post presence like Kanter, as well as a defensive-minded big who can pass from the high post like O’Quinn.
Throw in the ability to shoot with range and the toughness of a New York big, and Carter could be the glue for a Knicks team that needs stability.
Age: 21 (8/30/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 210 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .514/.435/.851
Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 17.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.6 3PM
Some believe this to be buying in to the hype, but I’ve been on the Mikal Bridges train since before the 2017-18 season. He’s an elite on-ball defender and a lights-out three-point shooter who has vastly improved his ability to create off the bounce.
Some believe Bridges will max out as an Otto Porter Jr. type of contributor, but those are the exact type of contributions that the New York Knicks need.
New York needs nothing more than improved defense along the perimeter, and Bridges is the best candidate to fill that critical role. He’s the top on-ball defender in this draft class, due in large part to his prototypical height and monster wingspan.
Beyond the physical traits, however, is a player who simply doesn’t quit on the defensive end of the floor—a truth that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
On the offensive end of the things, Bridges is an outstanding three-point shooter who seemingly has no limit to his range. He’s also an ambidextrous finisher at the rim, an improving shot creator, and a workhorse in the gym who continues to improve.
If the Knicks have a chance to select Bridges, doing so would not only expedite the rebuild, but give it a legitimate franchises cornerstone.
Upside Comparison: Paul George
Age: 19 (6/29/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 215 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .333/.300/.778
Season Averages: 17.7 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 ORPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 3PM
If Michael Porter Jr. hadn’t suffered a season-threatening back injury, this wouldn’t be an option. Porter has been ranked outside of the top five by a number of respected NBA Draft analysts, however, and is currently No. 7 on Jonathon Givony of ESPN’s player rankings.
The likelihood of Porter sliding all the way to No. 9 is slim to none, but crazier things have happened than a two-spot decline.
Thus, Porter is the admittedly ambitious No. 1 player on the list.
Porter is a player with legitimate superstar potential, which is why he’ll likely end up being a top-five draft pick. The unfortunate reality, however, is that Porter underwent surgery in late November to repair herniated discs in his spine.
That cost Porter all but three games of his freshman season, which has inevitably created a segment of evaluators who are unsure what to make of him.
Prior to the injury, Porter was a candidate to go No. 1 overall. He’s a 6’10” hybrid forward who can play both the 3 and the 4, create his own offense from 24 feet, distribute the ball to his shooters, and dominate the boards—a trait he displayed even when he wasn’t 100 percent
Whether the Knicks play Porter at small forward or move Kristaps Porzingis to center in order to clear space clear space at the 4-spot, he could develop into a genuine star.
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The question is: Which of these players are most likely to be available for the New York Knicks to select at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft?