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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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BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: PJ Washington #25 of the Kentucky Wildcats dunks the ball during the first half against Ikenna Smart #34 of the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: PJ Washington #25 of the Kentucky Wildcats dunks the ball during the first half against Ikenna Smart #34 of the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Upside Comparison: Taj Gibson
Age: 19 (8/23/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 236 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .519/.238/.606
Season Averages: 27.4 MPG, 10.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.8 SPG

If it’s not Jarred Vanderbilt, then Kentucky Wildcats teammate PJ Washington would certainly make sense for the New York Knicks. Washington is also determining his NBA future, but if he turns pro, he should be a coveted prospect.

Washington is an explosive athlete who can provide Kristaps Porzingis with the type interior complement whom he’s been missing through three seasons.

Washington has long arms and explosive leaping ability—a combination that should make him an at least respectable rim protector in the NBA. He’s also rather mobile for a big, which should help him defend the pick and roll, and pick up assignments against stretch bigs.

That type of defensive versatility is what the Knicks have been sorely missing as they look for ways to simplify the game for Porzingis.

Offensively, Washington is a powerful finisher who has no trouble whatsoever playing above the rim. He’s expanding the range on his jump shot, has the foundation for a solid post game, and should thrive as a pick and roll dive man.

I’d personally select a prospect of Washington’s caliber in the first round, but with projections that he should be available at No. 37, he’s the pick for the Knicks.

Must Read: Top 5 2018 NBA Draft targets after hiring David Fizdale

If the New York Knicks provide David Fizdale with one of these two combinations of players, then they’ll have aced the 2018 NBA Draft.

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