New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft rankings, stats after opening night

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 06: Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles the ball in action during a Champions Classic game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Kentucky Wildcats on November 6, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianpolis, Indiana. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 06: Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles the ball in action during a Champions Classic game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Kentucky Wildcats on November 6, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianpolis, Indiana. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Gonzaga Rui Hachimura (Photo by Robert Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Gonzaga Rui Hachimura (Photo by Robert Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga

Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 225 pounds
Opening night: 33 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 13-for-18 shooting

Rui Hachimura’s 2017-18 stat line in just 20.7 minutes teased what he could do when unleashed: 11.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.5 blocks. Tantalizing numbers in a limited span for the Gonzaga star who’s now a junior.

Well, Hachimura lived up to the hype with 33 points on opening night. All of it happened in the paint and at the charity stripe — not the three-point shot that’s nonexistent in his game at this time.

If Hachimura finds his shooting stroke across the 2018-19 season, he could rise into the top five. With his height and 7-foot-2 wingspan, it would add to his already intriguing potential as a pro prospect and worthy of a selection by the New York Knicks.

7. Bol Bol, Oregon

Position: Center
Height: 7-foot-2
Weight: 235 pounds
Opening night: 12 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 4-for-12 shooting

One of college basketball’s most fascinating prospects, Bol Bol already showcased his unique skill set for Oregon with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks as their premier rim protector. Attribute that to a 7-foot-8 wingspan.

Bol needs to bulk up throughout the season, isn’t explosive and can’t shoot, according to Bleacher Report. But his potential to be elite under the rim makes him a lottery pick.

The New York Knicks may no longer need a center with Mitchell Robinson‘s development. If Kristaps Porzingis’ recovery from knee surgery goes haywire, though, he’s a back-end option.