New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on March 21
As the New York Knicks season nears its end, which draft prospects stepped up in Thursday’s set of NCAA Tournament games?
This season has been madness for the New York Knicks, but a different kind of madness consumed basketball Thursday, when the 2019 NCAA Tournament officially began — not counting the four play-in games that already transpired.
With 16 games, there were dozens of players on display, to show off for viewers that might not be familiar with them, especially those from mid-major schools.
The Knicks will be a factor at the draft, given their league-worst record, so it makes anyone who plays well in the tournament notable for them.
So, with one day of NCAA Tournament action over, which players stepped up and even improved their draft stock?
5. Dedric Lawson, Kansas
Slash Line: 9-for-16/3-for-5/4-for-4
Stat Line: 25 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
Kansas was hurting from Legerald Vick and injuries to other players, but Bill Self’s teams never lack in talent, as intriguing players fill out the starting lineup and the bench. One of them, Dedric Lawson, showed off in Kansas’ route of Northeastern, 87-53.
Lawson took his regular-season success into the tournament and dominated with 25 points and 11 rebounds, including three made shots from behind the arc. His point and rebound totals were game-highs.
Unlike most of college basketball’s notable players, Lawson is a junior. He doesn’t receive the headlines of this sport’s superstars, but he still averaged 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds as a 6-foot-9 forward.
NBADraft.net’s most recent mock draft had Lawson as the 57th overall pick, which the Charlotte Hornets project to own. The New York Knicks slot 53rd in the second round and could use the forward depth this summer, with over half the roster set for free agency, leaving holes everywhere.
The numbers back up Lawson as a pro prospect. Three years in school, unfortunately, hurt his stock, and he’s 22-years-old, due to a one-year absence as a transfer that eliminated the 2017-18 season.