New York Knicks: How players drafted after Mitchell Robinson have fared

The New York Knicks selected Mitchell Robinson 36th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. How have players picked after him fared?

In September 2017, the New York Knicks acquired a 2018 second-round pick as part of the Carmelo Anthony trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The other pieces, Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott, are no longer with the organization, but the draft selection eventually conveyed and became Mitchell Robinson.

The journey started slowly for Robinson, just 20-years-old, but for the past six weeks, his stock has risen via shot-blocking, aggressiveness in the paint offensively and improved foul control.

Through 49 games, Robinson averages 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. These numbers continue to rise with each appearance of greater minutes played.

By taking Robinson 36th overall, the Knicks picked him above 24 others. The second round usually does not feature multiple long-term players, but what about the 2018 NBA Draft? How have players picked just after the former Western Kentucky commit fared in the Association?

*Statistics are all as of March 8*

Age: 20
Height, Weight: 6-foot-6, 205 pounds
Slash Line: .263/.333/.250
Season Averages: 1.6 PPG, 0.4 RPG, 0.1 APG, 0.1 BPG, 0.3 3PM, 9 games

The Portland Trail Blazers traded for Gary Trent‘s rights on draft night — sending multiple second-round picks to the Sacramento Kings.

Trent only has nine NBA games on his resume, so it’s difficult to assess his standing. There are just six G-League appearances, too, but for an eye-popping 33.3 points per game on 50.7 percent shooting.

Still just 20-years-old, Trent has time to develop and could receive a larger run in 2019-20, depending on how the Blazers offseason shapes up.

Age: 22
Height, Weight: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds
Slash Line: .353/.333/.667
Season Averages: 2.6 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 0.5 3PM

Another draft-night trade, the Philadelphia 76ers sent Khyri Thomas‘ rights to the Detroit Pistons for two future second-round picks.

Out of Creighton, Thomas was one of the oldest players drafted, which could have impacted where he went among the 60 picks. He’s received somewhat of a chance to succeed in Detroit, but in 20 small appearances.

Otherwise, Thomas has jumped back and forth to the G League. He only played seven games there but averaged 20.3 points on 46.5 percent three-point shooting.

Like Trent, there is still an opportunity for an NBA career, but he has an unguaranteed salary for 2020-21. Next season could make or break his future.

Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-8, 180 pounds
Slash Line: .200/.000/.667
Season Averages: 1.1 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.3 SPG, 9 games

In yet another trade on draft night, Isaac Bonga‘s rights went from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Lakers, which provided one of this class’s most unique prospects in the second round, despite the limited success.

A 6-foot-8 point guard, Bonga has just nine NBA games to his name, but 31 games for Los Angeles’ G-League squad. On 11.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, he’s proving the ability to fill the stat sheet.

By 2019-20, if Bonga bulks up and shows enough, he can work into a rotational spot for a Lakers team that may have a full roster of moving parts this summer. If not, this is trade bait.

Age: 20
Height, Weight: 6-foot-9, 210 pounds
Slash Line: .468/.318/.873
Season Averages: 8.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 0.9 3PM

Rodions Kurucs might be the best 2018 second-round pick not named Mitchell Robinson. The Latvian forward went 40th to the Brooklyn Nets — a talented scorer with the abilities from all over the court.

Kurucs’ 8.8 points per game actually lead all second-round picks, and his 3.8 rebounds only fall behind Robinson. So Brooklyn has recouped fine value for a late-round pick after three-quarters of a season.

A bright future is ahead for this player, and the Nets have another piece towards their increasingly positive outlook.

Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-9, 214 pounds
Slash Line: .200/.000/.250
Season Averages: 0.4 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.1 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 7 games

Out of Kentucky, Jarred Vanderbilt had one of the 2018 class’s most unique upsides. He was a freakish rebounder in college, with 7.9 boards in just 17.0 minutes per game. It also happened in just 14 games, as the 19-year-old dealt with injuries that sidelined him for most of the season.

That was enough for the Denver Nuggets, via trade with the Orlando Magic, to gamble on Vanderbilt at No. 41. He has played just seven NBA games and four G-League games, however, so a chance still awaits the young power forward.

Aside from Kurucs, Robinson has stood above the other second-round picks taken after him. That gap should only grow wider, as the New York Knicks reap the rewards of their talented center.