New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Mock Draft, Sweet 16 edition

Age: 20
Height, Weight: 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Slash Line: .499/.363/.813
Season Averages: 24.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 10.0 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 1.7 3PM

For about 48 hours, the NCAA Tournament was Ja Morant Mania. His electrifying triple-double in the opening round propelled Murray State to an upset over Marquette, which pegged this team as the group to watch for a Cinderella run.

Unfortunately, that ended against Florida State, who blew Murray State off the floor and sent Morant home for potentially his final time as a collegiate, despite a sophomore status.

Morant’s burst into the public eye put him on the map, even if a top-three spot in the 2019 NBA Draft seemed all but certain. Luckily for the Phoenix Suns, they can make him the second overall pick in this scenario.

Since the Eric Bledsoe–Goran Dragic–Isaiah Thomas era closed, the Suns have searched for a long-term point guard. They recently selected Elie Okobo, but he’s a developmental player that may take years to reach his potential. Morant can enter immediately and upgrade the position while playing next to Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.

The Suns can finally capitalize on their youth, with Morant in place, and rise in the chaotic Western Conference.

The New York Knicks have Dennis Smith Jr. at point guard, but is he the future fixture? If not, and the Knicks land the second pick, Morant could become their next distributor in this decade-long search.