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2018 Knicks Mock Draft: Early June projections for both rounds

By Maxwell Ogden

LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners shoots a free throw during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 88-78. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners shoots a free throw during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 88-78. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 20: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives to the basket past Kevarrius Hayes #13 of the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena on January 20, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 20: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives to the basket past Kevarrius Hayes #13 of the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena on January 20, 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 should give legitimate consideration to selecting Jarred Vanderbilt in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. That’s a bold claim, but Vanderbilt is a former five-star recruit who has the raw potential to be a star at the next level.

An injury-plagued freshman season will likely push Vanderbilt down to No. 37 overall, however, which makes this a dream selection for the Knicks.

Vanderbilt has the size, length, and athleticism to play both the 3 and the 4 on a consistent basis. He’s also one of the best rebounders in this class, with the basketball IQ to predict angles and an explosive second jump that enables him to make the difficult plays along the interior.

Vanderbilt is also a versatile defender who can match up against all three frontcourt positions with his ability to either get physical or anticipate plays.

Offensively, Vanderbilt has a solid handle and exceptional court vision for a player his size. His jump shot is faulty, but as a hybrid forward who can handle the ball, facilitate, and defend multiple positions, he could easily justify the Lamar Odom comparisons—in an era that fits.

For the Knicks, adding a player like Vanderbilt to a frontline that already includes Kristaps Porzingis would mean adapting to the standards of the modern NBA.

Must Read: Top 10 2018 NBA Draft targets as of June 1

The question is: Who will the New York Knicks actually select at the 2018 NBA Draft?

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