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New York Knicks to host Wendell Carter Jr. for pre-draft workout

By Maxwell Ogden

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Wendell Carter poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Wendell Carter poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks will reportedly host a pre-draft workout for Duke Blue Devils center and 2018 NBA Draft prospect Wendell Carter Jr.

The New York Knicks are in the midst of a process that could determine the success or failure of the Scott Perry era. The 2018 NBA Draft is unlikely to produce an MVP candidate at No. 9 overall, but the Knicks need to ace this selection.

As Perry and president Steve Mills attempt to make the most of this opportunity, a compelling name continues to surface: Wendell Carter Jr. of the Duke Blue Devils.

New York has a clear need for improved play along the wings, as well as an unstable situation at point guard. True as that may be, Carter is widely regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft.

According to Nick Friedell of ESPN, the Knicks will put that theory to the test by hosting Carter for a pre-draft workout.

It’s unclear if Carter will even be available at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, but this is another example of New York doing its due diligence.

Carter, 19, is one of the most physically imposing centers in his class, measuring at 6’10” and 251.4 pounds with a near 7’5″ wingspan and a 9’1″ standing reach. He utilizes those physical tools to thrive as both a shot-blocker and a rebounder.

Carter is also a solid enough athlete to step out to the perimeter, which likely appeals to a Knicks team that needs another big who can do so.

Kristaps Porzingis is more than capable of doing so, but as arguably the best shot-blocker and rim protector in the NBA, he needs to be able to stay closer to the paint.

Offensively, Carter is an excellent passer and an improving shooter who can operate from the high post or step beyond the arc for a three-point field goal. He’s also a bruising post player and a better athlete than advertised in the sense that he can attack a closeout and drive.

There are areas of weakness that Carter will need to address, but he has the potential to be an Al Horford type of player at the next level.

Must Read: 2018 Knicks Mock Draft: Early June projections

In this era, that’s exactly the variety of center the New York Knicks appear to need.

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