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

By Maxwell Ogden

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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DURHAM, NC – FEBRUARY 21: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks the ball against the Louisville Cardinals at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 21, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – FEBRUARY 21: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks the ball against the Louisville Cardinals at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 21, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Upside Comparison: Al Horford
Age: 19 (4/16/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 258 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .561/.413/.738
Season Averages: 26.9 MPG, 13.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 2.0 APG, 2.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 3PM

If the New York Knicks prefer to select a center, then Wendell Carter Jr. would be the obvious choice. Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, Mohamed Bamba, and Jaren Jackson Jr. will likely be off the board, but Carter is far more than just a consolation prize.

Amongst the available big men, Carter may actually fit what the Knicks are building better than any of his peers—and that’s reason enough to consider drafting him.

Carter has Al Horford potential as a prospect who does everything at an average or better level. He can play with his back to the basket, pass from the high post, rebound at a high level, shoot with expanding range, and protect the rim.

Carter has also displayed the necessarily agility to both run and defend the pick and roll, as well as the strong hands to make plays in traffic.

In theory, Carter could be a Kyle O’Quinn style big who has the athleticism and range to play 30-plus minutes per game. Moreover: He could be the big who helps alleviate pressure from Kristaps Porzingis on both ends of the floor.

David Fizdale needs an elbow facilitator, Porzingis needs a versatile defender, and the Knicks need a big who won’t cost them upwards of $10 million per season.

Carter checks every box.

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