New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft prospects who make losing tolerable

3. Ja Morant

Ja Morant was not grouped with Duke’s trio, Hachimura and other top-end prospects for the 2019 NBA Draft. Then came his eye-opening run to start the 2018-19 season, and the top of big boards changed.

In a weak class for point guards, Morant stands above the rest, owning a line of 22.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game. These numbers at least tease Russell Westbrook‘s averages, and the Murray State star has a triple-double on his resume.

Morant holds solid size, at 6-foot-3, for point guard, with the athleticism and court vision to stand tall at this position. NBADraft.net compared him to the Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox.

The New York Knicks have Emmanuel Mudiay at point guard, but his expiring contract and improved play hold no guarantee for his return in 2019-20. If the organization feels it needs a replacement, Morant may suit them well and finally end the years-long search at this position.

Plus, on a rookie-scale deal, it’s potentially cheaper than what Mudiay may command, pending he takes advantage of yet another cap spike. (Marvin Bagley, the No. 2 overall pick from 2018, makes $7.3 million.)

For now, Morant projects as a top pick and someone worth waiting for. It’s, potentially, the long-awaited answer at point guard, rather than cycling through short-term solutions.