The New York Knicks have the No. 9 overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft. Who should New York look at beyond the obvious options?
The New York Knicks are approaching an event that will test their ability to think outside the box. It’s certainly within the realm of probability that New York will select the most coveted player available, but the front office must not limit its scope to the 2018 NBA Draft darlings.
Thankfully, there are a number of somewhat overlooked prospects whom the Knicks could justifiably target at No. 9 overall.
The favorites to come off the board are a mix of ambitious targets and conservative options. In some instances, fans and analysts are hoping that New York will benefit from a high-level talent experiencing an unexpected slide to No. 9.
In others, the players pegged as late lottery locks are being debated between as potential fits for a franchise in need of talent.
That approach may yield the results that Knicks general manager Scott Perry is hoping to see. There are players who should at least receive a workout, however, as they possess talent and potential that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The question is: Who are the sleepers and outside the box prospects whom the New York Knicks should consider at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft?
Ultimate Upside Comparison: Steve Smith
Safe Upside Comparison: Evan Turner
Age: 18 (7/28/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6.75″, 208 pounds, 6’10.25″
Slash Line: .444/.291/.743
Season Averages: 31.2 MPG, 11.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.9 3PM
Troy Brown isn’t the most explosive athlete in this draft class, but he’s as complete a prospect as any. He’s a well-rounded offensive player who can contribute in virtually every phase of the game, as well as a committed defender with a solid foundation for the transition to the NBA.
The Evan Turner comparison may scare the New York Knicks away, but Brown could be more like Steve Smith if he legitimizes his improving jump shot.
Brown has adequate size and length for the small forward position, which should be noted for a Knicks team that needs both. What makes him a potential lottery pick, however, is the skill level that’s already been developed as one of the youngest players in this class.
Brown has a tight handle, borderline elite vision as a passer, and the ability to make plays from a unique vantage point—thus addressing New York’s need for a playmaker.
The hurdle for Brown is that he’s a subpar three-point shooter, as evidenced by his mark of 29.1 percent from distance. He attempted 3.1 three-point field goals per game, however, which displayed a clear willingness to utilize the three-ball—and, potentially, improve his efficiency.
New York will likely shy away from Brown if he hasn’t made progress with his jump shot, but he’s a prospect who should receive a workout and an interview.
Ultimate Upside Comparison: Klay Thompson
Safe Upside Comparison: Kyle Korver
Age: 19 (8/27/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7.25″, 194 pounds, 6’7.5″
Slash Line: .503/.417/.758
Season Averages: 34.4 MPG, 14.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.7 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 2.3 3PM
Kevin Huerter is rapidly rising up draft boards following an underrated sophomore season that’s only now garnering attention. He aced the 2018 NBA Draft Combine, posting top-10 marks in the lane agility drill, shuttle run, and three quarter sprint.
Throw in a 6’7″ frame, a 38.0″ vertical, and his status as one of the purest shooters in this class, and he has the potential to be a Klay Thompson type of wing.
As a shooter, Huerter has seemingly limitless range and flawless fundamentals. He can rise up from all over the floor, and has exceptional off-ball value given his catch-and-shoot proficiency and borderline elite speed and quickness.
Even if nothing else works out for him, Huerter could be like an Atlanta Hawks version of Kyle Korver in the way his constant motion and shooting ability help anchor the offense.
Beyond his athleticism and shooting ability, Huerter is a determined downhill slasher who’s decisive and crafty around the basket. He’s also an excellent passer, which gives him a skill that even Korver and Thompson have yet to develop.
With Frank Ntilikina at point guard and Huerter at the 2-spot, the Knicks would have a unique balance of size, athleticism, shooting touch, and playmaking ability in the backcourt.
Ultimate Upside Comparison: Tony Parker
Safe Upside Comparison: Brandon Jennings (Milwaukee)
Age: 20 (10/23/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 180 pounds, 6’8″
Slash Line: .475/.394/.819
Season Averages: 26.3 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.8 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.9 3PM
Some may not want to draft another international player, let alone another French point guard. While Frank Ntilikina is being criticized for his uphill battle on offense, however, Élie Okobo is a 6’3″ point guard with fearless and natural playmaking ability.
Okobo thrives at creating penetration, has a smooth southpaw stroke from beyond the arc, and would bring a scorer’s mentality to the backcourt.
While Ntilikina is regarded as a player who will make his mark as a shooter and post-up scorer, Okobo is all about collapsing a defense. He’s a crafty southpaw with a quick first step and the ability to make plays in traffic.
Whether it’s an acrobatic finish in the lane or a difficult pass out to a shooter, Okobo has displayed the ability to get into the heart of a defense.
Okobo has garnered obvious comparisons to Tony Parker, if only based on nationality, but he’s also comparable to D’Angelo Russell. He’s a skilled southpaw with a fearless approach to scoring and a willingness to take chances as a distributor.
Some are of the belief that Okobo is more of a combo guard than a point guard, but he and Ntilikina could thrive by playing off of one another for the New York Knicks.
Ultimate Upside Comparison: Donovan Mitchell
Safe Upside Comparison: Eric Gordon
Age: 19 (9/1/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.5″, 211 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .416/.380/.821
Season Averages: 36.4 MPG, 18.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 1.6 3PM
I normally hate comparing prospects to player who haven’t realized their potential, but it fits.
Georgia Tech Yellowjackets star Josh Okogie stands at just under 6’5″, but he has a massive wingspan, explosive athleticism, and a jump shot. He boasts a somewhat well-rounded game in the sense that he provides value in virtually every phase.
There are red flags on the court that could lead one to questioning if he can realize his All-Star potential, but Okogie has a chance to be the New York Knicks’ Donovan Mitchell.
In addition to boasting a 7’0″ wingspan, Okogie posted a 42.0″ max vertical leap—tied for the highest mark in this draft class. He also ran the three quarter sprint in 3.04 seconds—the fastest time of any player in the class of 2018.
The only player who ran a faster time than Okogie at the 2017 NBA Draft Combine was—you guessed it—Donovan Mitchell.
On the court, Okogie has a solid outside shot, a strong handle, ultra-competitiveness, and the vision to distribute as a combo guard. He plays bigger than he is, has fluid athleticism on the drive, and showcases the tools to be a better finisher in the NBA—something David Fizdale emphasizes.
The New York Knicks need a scorer and a defender, and Okogie could be the supremely competitive two-way player who develops into a star long-term.
Ultimate Upside Comparison: DeAndre Jordan
Safe Upside Comparison: Serge Ibaka
Age: 20 (10/17/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 241 pounds, 7’5.5″
Slash Line: .632/.000/.471
Season Averages: 25.6 MPG, 10.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 2.6 BPG, 0.8 SPG
The New York Knicks went from having a logjam at center to having one bad contract and two pending free agents. Thus, the Knicks should give serious consideration to utilizing the No. 9 overall selection on the center of the future.
Robert Williams III certainly fits the bill of what the Knicks need as a center who can protect the rim, defend the perimeter, and play a modern offensive game.
In the modern NBA, a center must be able to switch on defense. Those who can’t tend to play limited minutes, which is why the Knicks are in the position of needing another big man to work alongside Kristaps Porzingis: The current players struggle to do so.
Williams fits the bill, as he’s routinely displayed the ability to switch on the pick and roll, and make life miserable for guards with his long wingspan and explosive athleticism.
Offensively, Williams has an unrefined skill set that could translate to something greater in the NBA. He’s displayed the ability to post up and shoot from midrange, and could expand his touch to beyond the three-point line.
When all else fails, Williams ranked in the top 30 in the country in block percentage and defensive rebound percentage—signs he can at least be a defensive anchor.
Must Read: 2018 Knicks Mock Draft: Early June projections
The question is: Will these five prospects receive consideration from the New York Knicks at the 2018 NBA Draft?