Even before the 2019-20 NBA season starts, there are mock drafts to round up that prominently involve the New York Knicks.
For most of the 2018-19 NBA season, the following draft was a focus for the New York Knicks. Losing continuously caused this, leading to the inevitable look-ahead at their organizational future. They finished with the league’s worst record but did not win the lottery, landing at third overall, with Duke’s RJ Barrett as the eventual selection.
Eventually, the 2020 NBA Draft will take shape; in fact, it already has, with mock drafts already here, providing way-too-early predictions on how the top of the next class unfolds.
The Knicks, given last year’s results and this season’s expectations, were prominently featured in these mocks. Who does the basketball world have connected to them, as of October? Let’s take a look:
ESPN: LaMelo Ball
Perhaps the highest-profile name in the 2020 class, LaMelo Ball is a continuation of the Ball Family, known for their Big Baller Brand flop and the father, LaVar Ball’s outspokenness.
LaMelo can turn that around, though, as the second member of the family to play an NBA game. He is already a draw for Australia’s National Basketball League, making highlight-reel plays and stacking the box score.
Due to this, ESPN mocked Ball to the Knicks. For now, there is a real chance he becomes a top-five pick. The rest of the NBL season must play out, and the college basketball campaign has yet to start, but, so far, so good.
LaMelo Ball on debut ⤵️
— NBL (@NBL) October 6, 2019
12 points
10 rebounds
5 assists
4 steals
0 turnovers
Ball is the first player in NBL history to have a double-double with five assists and no turnovers on debut 👀@MELOD1P #NBL20 pic.twitter.com/8H5vghFJTI
NBADraft.net and NBA Draft Room: Anthony Edwards
Projected to become one of college basketball’s most intriguing freshmen this season, Anthony Edwards is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard for the Georgia Bulldogs. This is not overwhelming size, but his athleticism and outside shooting ability make up for it. Plus, with a fine 6-foot-9 wingspan, he should become a capable defender.
NBADraft.net and NBA Draft Room both have Edwards to the Knicks, at No. 1 and 2 overall, respectively.
NBC Sports: Isaiah Stewart
At fifth overall, NBC Sports has Isaiah Stewart on the New York Knicks. A 6-foot-9 big man, he will play at Washington as a freshman.
Stewart’s physical profile is impressive. With that height, he has a 7-foot-4 wingspan and a 9-foot standing reach, allowing him to play taller than listed. Couple that with quality athleticism, and this is someone who will make NBA teams drool over what he could become.
With most players hyped for their physical gifts in college, they have questions scoring the basketball. If Stewart can overcome them, he will solidify as a top-five pick.