New York Knicks: Don’t sleep on the other guard prospects
By Jared Yellin
Rumors have circulated about the New York Knicks having interest in Trae Young. They should extend their search to other guards in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The New York Knicks have scheduled a private workout with Oklahoma Sooners point guard Trae Young. Reports indicate that the team is legitimately interested in selecting him with the ninth overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft.
However, there are other highly touted guards who should be receiving a closer look from the coaching staff and scouting department.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer wrote last week that the Knicks have, “The hots,” for Trae Young, who led the nation last season in both points (27.4) and assists (8.7) per game.
Young’s father, Ray, has also indicated to the media that his son would love the opportunity to play in New York City, alongside Kristaps Porzingis.
Considering the comparisons to Stephen Curry, who was drafted one spot before the Knicks’ pick in 2009, there’s no question that Scott Perry would love adding this dynamic playmaker to the roster.
While I also agree that Young can become a star in the NBA, and one who can fit nicely alongside the Knicks’ young core, there are certainly questions regarding his game that shouldn’t be overlooked.
At 6’2″ and only 180 pounds, Young runs the risk of being overpowered and out-manned in the NBA from sheer lack of size. His defense will likely suffer as a result of not being able to physically contest quicker guards in the Association.
Not to mention his slight frame, which will work against him on switches. The 2018 NBA Playoffs have shown that’s an often utilized strategy against smaller teams.
Furthermore, Young tends to hold the ball too long, leaving the offense stagnant and resorting back to an isolation strategy that is quickly losing its glory in the NBA. Plus, at more than five turnovers per game, Young will have to play more efficiently and less sporadic with the ball at the next level.
With all that said, many NBA experts still have him slated as the top point guard in this year’s draft. With speculation that Young can be taken as early as sixth overall by the Orlando Magic, the Knicks must leave other guard options on the table.
General manager Scott Perry has already explained to the media that they will consider drafting another guard if the player is “far and away better” than what they currently have. Would Alabama freshman Collin Sexton or Miami freshman Lonnie Walker IV fit that bill?
Sexton has recently been compared to players like Eric Bledsoe and even Russell Westbrook for his tenacity and relentlessness getting to the rim. He’s a fierce competitor and also has the tools to be a plus-defender in the NBA.
If he can hone in on his jump shooting, which isn’t very far off (49.8 eFG%), Sexton has a chance to be an All-Star caliber guard.
Another intriguing prospect is Walker, who’s rising up the draft boards for his size (6’5″, 200 pounds) and elite athleticism. He’s an excellent slasher towards the rim and can space the floor with above-average shooting form.
His frame provides him with solid two-way value, which can fit nicely given David Fizdale’s defense-first mentality.
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It would be worthwhile for the New York Knicks to give all of these prospects ample consideration. All three have tremendous potential, so putting all the praise on the flashier name (Trae Young) can prove to be a risky mistake.