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New York Knicks: Five sleeper wings to know in 2018 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 24: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates 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 celebrates against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena on February 24, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Tyus Battle #25 of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Tyus Battle #25 of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Age: 20 (9/23/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 205 pounds, 6’8″
Slash Line: .399/.322/.839
Season Averages: 39.0 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.1 3PM

The New York Knicks know quite a bit about how effective scorers from the Syracuse Orange can be. Before anyone jumps to the belief that Tyus Battle is the second coming of Carmelo Anthony, however, it should be noted that he’s more of an ideal two-way role player.

Admittedly skilled in isolation, Battle could be a steal in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft—if he actually slides to the Knicks.

In a perfect world, Battle will realize his potential as a 3-and-D specialist who can attack a closeout. His percentages were underwhelming during the 2017-18 season, but he has solid mechanics on his shot and the physical tools for high-level defense.

Some are of the belief that Battle is more of a shooting guard than a small forward, but he could be of value at both positions in New York.

The concerns have more to do with discipline than skill, which makes David Fizdale the perfect coach for him. Battle’s handle is advanced for a 6’7″ wing, his jump shot can be a strength, and his athleticism would be a welcome addition on defense.

Battle could be a J.R. Smith type of presence for a Knicks team that will need a wing who can create consistent offense from the second unit.

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