New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Mock Draft, Sweet 16 edition
156. . C. Western Kentucky. Charles Bassey. 25. player
Age: 18
Height, Weight: 6-foot-11, 245 pounds
Slash Line: .627/.450/.769
Season Averages: 14.6 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 0.3 3PM
If Charles Bassey was on a nationally prominent team, he’d receive more attention as a prospect. Behind the power schools though, in Western Kentucky, he sits behind the spotlight other big men of this class receives, even the injured Bol Bol.
That does not subtract from Bassey’s talents, however. His freshman year was terrific, with 14.6 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game on 62.7 percent shooting. The three-point percentage is misleading, but he still showed some capability of an outside shot.
The questions will arise with his offensive game overall. The athletic moves to attempt putbacks and dunks are there and will work in the NBA, but he’ll need more than that to succeed. It goes for a three-point shot, as well, as the League expands beyond the ac.
Defense can earn Bassey immediate playing time, but he’ll need time to develop into the double-double, shot-blocking talent he owns. At just 18-years-old, there is little rush for that, especially on a Cleveland Cavaliers team that’s years from sniffing the postseason.
Without intriguing, young big men anymore, the Cavs can afford the risk on Bassey. They have Tristan Thompson, Larry Nance and Kevin Love, but all three make eight figures and none of them might stick with this franchise long term, if payroll decisions are made this summer.
Bassey has potential as a starting center in the NBA, but it’s difficult to think he’ll remain available for the New York Knicks in the second round.