2018 Knicks Mock Draft: The impact of the David Fizdale hire

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 11: David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies coaches during an all access practice on April 11, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 11: David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies coaches during an all access practice on April 11, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 11: David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies coaches during an all access practice on April 11, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 11: David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies coaches during an all access practice on April 11, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The New York Knicks recently hired David Fizdale on a four-year contract. Here’s how the Knicks can ace the 2018 NBA Draft for their new head coach.


The New York Knicks have hired David Fizdale to be the leader of the youth movement. That’s a clear enough approach, but with Fizdale in as head coach, the Knicks must provide him with the necessary talent to execute the rebuild.

Thankfully, the 2018 NBA Draft will provide the Knicks with the perfect platform to find the next building block for Fizdale to plug in and develop.

The Knicks have two significant voids that should be targeted: Small forward and center. It would certainly be understandable to prioritize the best player available if a star-caliber prospect falls their way, but the clear reality is that New York has defined areas of weakness.

For that reason, this mock draft will consist of two options: One in which the Knicks select a wing and another in which they take a center.

New York has Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn at the 5, but both are expected to decline their respective player options. Tim Hardaway Jr. played well at the 3 in 2017-18, but he was out of position and would benefit from a return to shooting guard.

The question is: How can David Fizdale, Scott Perry, Steve Mills, and the New York Knicks ace the 2018 NBA Draft? We’ve provided two possibilities.