New York Knicks: Top five targets at No. 3 in 2019 NBA Draft

Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-2, 175 pounds
Slash Line: .537/.478/.750
Season Averages: 16.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 2.2 3PM

The top point guard in the 2019 NBA Draft could have been a two-man race between Ja Morant and Darius Garland. Once the latter suffered an injury early in Vanderbilt’s season, it became a runaway for the Murray State product, who projects to land second overall to the Memphis Grizzlies.

That leaves Garland as arguably the next-best point guard available, despite the small sample size.

The New York Knicks may need another point guard, pending their faith in signing Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker is minor and if they don’t feel confident in Dennis Smith Jr. It will take those three dominos and if Morant does not land at No. 2 to make Garland happen.

In limited action, Garland was impressive with 16.2 points on a gaudy stat line. He showed the ability to hit shots and grab rebounds, as well. While the assist numbers were not high for a player who won’t have versatility beyond playing point guard, he did not enough to show promise as a former top recruit in the 2018 class.

No. 3 for Garland is also high, but teams below the Knicks need point guards, including the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns. Maybe that creates trade-down scenarios over the next four weeks, but if New York likes this player enough, they can make him their guy for the next five years.