The New York Knicks met with Duke Blue Devils center and 2018 NBA Draft prospect Wendell Carter Jr. at the Combine. They asked a significant question.
The New York Knicks are staring down the possibility of losing both Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn to free agency. Both have player options for the 2018-19 season, and both could opt out in order to pursue a long-term contract.
With Kanter and O’Quinn’s respective futures in question, the Knicks are looking to the 2018 NBA Draft as the potential source of a replacement.
The Knicks made waves when general manager Scott Perry stated that the franchise will select the best player available at No. 9 overall. Some were left confused, as the Knicks appear to have a glaring weakness at small forward.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, the Knicks met with a player who may justify the focus on other positions: Duke Blue Devils center Wendell Carter Jr.
Wendell Carter met with the Knicks.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) May 18, 2018
For those who are concerned about the prospect of selecting a center, the Knicks have already asked the most critical question:
Wendell Carter, Jr. says one of the last questions the Knicks asked him in his interview was how he thought he would fit playing alongside Kristaps Porzingis. https://t.co/Ci2ZJyevBj
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) May 18, 2018
Once again, the new front office regime is proving to be thorough in its research.
Carter has garnered comparisons to Al Horford for his well-rounded offensive skill set, defensive potential, and physical gifts. He isn’t a DeAndre Jordan type of athlete, but he has strong hands, quick feet, and the ability to play above the rim.
When all else fails on either end of the floor, Carter can fall back on his 6’10” and 251-pound frame, his near 7’5″ wingspan, and his 9’1″ standing reach.
Beyond the physical attributes, Carter does a bit of everything on both ends of the floor—a truth that implies he can be as scheme versatile as Horford.
Carter finished the 2017-18 season with averages of 13.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.1 blocks, 0.8 steal, and 0.5 three-point field goal made per game. He changed his game to accommodate Marvin Bagley III, which is a testament to his selflessness.
Beyond the numbers, Carter can play from the low and high posts, is a skilled passer, rebounds well on both ends of the floor, and can defend multiple positions.
Must Read: 2018 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Top 14 after the Lottery
Coupled with expanding range on his jump shot, Wendell Carter Jr. could be an ideal fit for the New York Knicks.