New York Knicks: Top five 2019 NBA Draft prospects after NCAA Tournament

2. Ja Morant, Murray State

Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-3, 175 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

While Ja Morant only played two games in the NCAA Tournament, it placed him on the national scene, rather than among the draft pundits only. His triple-double against Marquette — 17 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists — was a special night in tournament history.

The follow-up game was a 28-point performance. Since Murray State lost, it was not as special or noticed, but he still delivered on 5-of-6 three-pointers.

Either way, Morant cemented himself as a top prospect, if it was not already apparent. His 24.5 points and 10.0 assists per game as a sophomore stood tall over most of the nation, and the defensive work was there with 1.8 steals per game and an above-average wingspan for his 6-foot-3 frame.

Athleticism might be Morant’s attribute. He darts down the court like few others in the NBA, and that could at least make him a difficult matchup before the shooting develops and he settles in as a distributor, however high the assists totals rise.

The New York Knicks have Dennis Smith Jr., Emmanuel Mudiay and Frank Ntilikina at point guard, but none of them have become the established future due to deficiencies at either end of the court. If president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry have the second overall pick, will they bring another point guard into the fold?