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

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LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 23: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats grabs a offensive rebound over the Mississippi State Bulldogs defenders during the first half at Rupp Arena on January 23, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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

The New York Knicks are in the market for an athletic wing who can defend at a high level and provide value on offense. While injuries may have limited his impact in 2017-18, it’s plausible that Jarred Vanderbilt could emerge as the steal of the NBA Draft.

Vanderbilt will need to receive a clean bill of health in order to be worth selecting in either round, but he’s a prospect who could be a legitimate star at the next level.

Vanderbilt has the size, length, and athleticism to comfortably defend players at every position from the 2 to the 4. He can play the passing lanes, help protect the paint, and rebound at a borderline elite level for his position.

That level of defensive potential is exactly what the Knicks need at small forward, and his positional versatility fits David Fizdale’s positionless scheme.

Offensively, Vanderbilt has a strong handle, above-average court vision, and the instincts as a scorer to make a significant impact in that regard. In New York, he could be the perfect bridge between Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Vanderbilt’s health will be a deciding factor, and this is as much about upside as anything else, but his star potential is as legitimate as any wing’s in this class.

Must Read: 2018 Knicks Mock Draft: Impact of David Fizdale

The question is: Will any of these prospects receive the opportunity to play for the New York Knicks via the 2018 NBA Draft?

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