After months of anticipation, the New York Knicks have selected Kentucky Wildcats forward Kevin Knox at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The New York Knicks entered the 2018 NBA Draft facing more pressure than almost any other franchise in the NBA. With a franchise player on the roster, but sidelined by an injury, the Knicks were forced to bridge the gap between a complement and a cornerstone.
After months of contemplation, the Knicks finally took to action by selecting Kentucky Wildcats hybrid forward Kevin Knox at No. 9 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
With the 9th pick of the 2018 #NBADraft the @nyknicks select...@KevKnox!
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 22, 2018
There was endless speculation about what the Knicks would do in the first round, but this selection certainly fits the front office’s the vision.
Knox stands at 6’9″ and 213 pounds with a near 7’0″ wingspan and a 9’0″ standing reach. He projects to fill the void at the forward positions that general manager Scott Perry sought to address during the 2018 NBA offseason.
With Knox on the roster, the Knicks can further pursue the positionless style of basketball that head coach David Fizdale is attempting to introduce.
With the physical tools to play both the 3 and the 4, Knox projects to be able to provide the Knicks with a significant measure of flexibility on both ends of the floor.
As far as his skill set is concerned, Knox is one of the more complete offensive prospects amongst the forwards in the 2018 NBA Draft. He can pass, dribble, and shoot, which gives him the fundamental ability that will help New York build a 70s style team.
Every one of those skills will require polish and refinement, but there’s something in place for the one of the youngest players in this draft class to reach the next level.
Defensively, Knox can help alleviate pressure from Kristaps Porzingis by picking up stretch bigs and switching against the pick and roll.
Statistically, Knox finished the 2017-18 season with averages of 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.5 three-point field goals made per game. He’s far better off the catch than he is pulling up from a dribble, but he’s made significant progress in the latter regard.
Compared by many to the likes of Tobias Harris and Jayson Tatum, Knox has the tools to be a high-quality scoring threat and versatile defender at the next level.
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Welcome to the New York Knicks, Kevin Knox! The pressure is on.