New York Knicks: All potential scenarios at No. 3 in 2019 NBA Draft

A look at each potential scenario for the New York Knicks at No. 3 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.

The 2019 NBA Draft is finally almost here. 60 players will hear their name called on Thursday, June 20, with the New York Knicks owning two of the picks to be made. They will select at No. 3 and No. 55 in the first and second round, respectively.

Their first pick is, of course, the most notable of the two. It will provide the Knicks with one of this class’s perceived top players, with Zion Williamson the only guarantee to not land with them, given the New Orleans Pelicans choosing first overall.

That leaves options at No. 3. While one player may stand out, alternatives are available to give the Knicks someone they covet, but never publicly made known. Situations like this can shake up the draft, offering storylines for a night of celebrating the next class of young players to play professional basketball.

So, late in the draft process, what are the Knicks’ options this high in the first round?

The likely pick: RJ Barrett

Almost everything has pointed to the New York Knicks taking RJ Barrett. From the set-up of the first two picks in the draft to the confident public comments from the Duke product himself, everything lines up.

The 2019 NBA Draft always seemed like a three-man class; Williamson would land with the New Orleans Pelicans, Ja Morant joins the Memphis Grizzlies and Barrett becomes a Knick. The rest of the lottery then plays out unpredictably, with trades and players without a concrete spot to land.

With the Knicks, Barrett becomes one of their top faces, if not already holding that main spot with Mitchell Robinson. This is potentially their No. 1 scorer for the 2019-20 season, as well, barring any big-name free agents signing this summer.

Barrett is the player to build around the middle of the lineup, with his versatility and scoring ability available to impact multiple parts of the game. He should be there at No. 3 and is the easy pick for the Knicks to make — perhaps too simple at the top of a clear-cut group.