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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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LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 24: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena on February 24, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 24: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena on February 24, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Upside Comparison: Lamar Odom
Age: 19 (4/3/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 214 pounds, 7’1″
Slash Line: .426/.000/.632
Season Averages: 17.0 MPG, 5.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.4 SPG

Jarred Vanderbilt’s freshman season was plagued by injuries that forced him to miss all but a stretch of 14 games. Thus, it’s fair to question why the New York Knicks would select a player who’s essentially all upside and speculation.

If the Knicks select a center in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, however, then finding a high-ceiling wing should be the priority in Round 2—and Vanderbilt more than fits the bill.

Had Vanderbilt avoided injuries, he would be a first-round lock at this stage of the 2018 NBA Draft process. He’s a big and athletic wing with a long wingspan, elite instincts as a rebounder, a strong handle, above-average vision as a passer, and the versatility to defend multiple positions.

A lackluster jump shot certainly creates cause for pause, but Vanderbilt has garnered Dennis Rodman comparisons from his coaches and teammates.

In other words: He doesn’t quit on defense.

Vanderbilt has a wide and muscular frame that should fill out well and enable him to pick up defensive assignments against players from the 2 to the 4. He’s also an explosive finisher at the rim and a crafty southpaw with a Lamar Odom type of versatility.

It’s possible that Vanderbilt will return to Kentucky to improve his draft stock for 2019, but if he’s on the board, the Knicks should give serious consideration to selecting him.

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