New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft targets who showed out at Combine

It’s impossible to write about the 2018 NBA Draft Combine without at least mentioning Mohamed Bamba. Bamba’s mere presence at the event provided the validation that franchises needed that he could be a special player at the next level.

The Texas Longhorns star not only confirmed the speculation about his monster wingspan, but set a Combine record with a longer-than-expected measurement.

Bamba checked in at 7’0.75″ and 225.6 pounds with a record-setting 7’10” wingspan and an absurd 9’7.5″ standing reach. For perspective, both measurements were longer than those recorded for Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert.

Coupled with the fact that Bamba ranked No. 5 in the country in block percentage in 2017-18, it certainly appears as though he’ll be an elite rim protector in the NBA.

The odds of Bamba sliding to No. 9 are slim, but the Knicks must remain ambitious in order to be thorough. Bamba is not only an overwhelming physical presence, but a promising scorer who has the foundation for All-NBA success on both ends of the floor.

New York is likely aware that Bamba shouldn’t be available at No. 9, but if he isn’t at least on the big board, it’d be an egregious mistake.