New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft prospects worth trading up for
Ultimate Upside Comparison: Klay Thompson
Safe Upside Comparison: Kyle Korver
Projection: Mid First Round
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
The New York Knicks are one of the worst shooting teams in the Association. Even if that weren’t true, however, the opportunity to add an elite three-point shooter who has flashed potential as a straight-line finisher, distributor, and on-ball defender doesn’t come along very often.
Many can shoot at a high level in this era, but few possess that versatile skill set—and Maryland Terrapins shooting guard Kevin Huerter is one of the few exceptions.
Huerter is an elite shooter with the size, agility, and release point to be a true force at the next level. He can rise up over smaller defenders with relative ease and shoot with a hand in his face due to his unique combination of poise, touch, and range.
Huerter also boasts a 38″ vertical, top-flight end-to-end speed, and the lateral agility to support his prowess as a fundamentally sound defender.
The upside comparison for Huerter is Thompson for some relatively obvious reasons. In addition to being a lights out shooter, Huerter has a strong defensive stance and can exploit a lazy defender by attacking closeouts and scoring in traffic.
What makes Huerter worth trading up for: In addition to all of these strengths, he has the handle and court vision to be a playmaker.