Age: 22 (1/23/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.5″, 224 pounds, 7’3.25″
Slash Line: .480/.359/.794
Season Averages: 33.1 MPG, 19.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.5 ORPG, 1.6 APG, 1.6 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.8 3PM
As has been stated ad nauseam, the New York Knicks have a dire need for length on defense. New York would also stand to benefit from improving the quality of the three-point shooting it receives from the players in its frontcourt—besides Kristaps Porzingis, of course.
While Keita Bates-Diop could conceivably be pegged as a small forward, he fits the stretch 4 mold of the modern era and could be the answer to New York’s woes.
Bates-Diop stands at just under 6’9″ with a strong 224-pound frame and a wingspan that was measured at 7’3.25″ at the Combine. He isn’t an explosive athlete, but he’s positionally versatile and well-rounded on both ends of the floor.
Bates-Diop is essentially Lance Thomas with a better jump shot and the ability to produce as a rebounder, assist man, and rim protector.
Bates-Diop may not be worth the No. 5 overall selection, but he’s a player who could justify a trade for a late first-round draft pick. He competes on defense, works well without the ball, can defend multiple positions, and fits the culture that David Fizdale is hoping to establish.
With the Knicks embracing a positionless system, it’s players like Bates-Diop who could become the glue to what Fizdale is attempting to build.