New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft prospects who make losing tolerable
The New York Knicks have done their fair share of losing this season. Who from the 2019 NBA Draft represents a silver lining, however?
The 2018-19 NBA season was always expected as a project for the New York Knicks. Without Kristaps Porzingis and a full roster of inexperienced players and flawed veterans, a winning record seemed out of sight. That has proven true with a 9-30 record through almost the halfway point.
A silver lining exists with everything, however. For the Knicks, it’s not just cap space and free agency, but the 2019 NBA Draft.
As of Jan. 5, New York projects to have the second-best odds in May’s lottery. The lowest they can go in this position is sixth. With losing 14 of their last 15 games, the top lottery odds are in sight.
This may not become the deepest draft, but players that project near the top are the light at the end of this losing tunnel. So, when in doubt, who can the Knicks look forward to in June?
5. Cameron Reddish
When the 2018-19 collegiate season started, Duke’s trio of freshmen stood at the top of the next draft, though Cameron Reddish was always seen as the third-best player, despite actually entering the year as the No. 3 player from the High School Class of 2018.
Reddish has not fully lived up to lofty expectations, however.
Shooting just 37.0 percent, the Norristown, PA product has not provided offensive consistency. Attribute that towards just 39.2 percent on two-pointers, but he takes just 4.3 of those per game compared to a staggering 7.3 three-point attempts.
The difference in shot attempts may skew Reddish’s numbers one way, and he shoots a fine 35.6 percent behind the arc. Plus, he offers the prototypical wing size, 6-foot-8, that teams want in this positionless, versatile players-only NBA.
On the New York Knicks, head coach David Fizdale can use Reddish in different lineups and not worry about a position. He’ll stretch the floor and provide quality defense, which the team desperately needs on the perimeter.
No. 2 may be too high for Reddish, but if the Knicks select around No. 4 or 5, he’s an ideal, intriguing target for them in the 2019 NBA Draft.