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New York Knicks: 5 compelling prospects to consider at 2020 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

AMES, IA - DECEMBER 8: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones reacts after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on December 8, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 76-66 over the Seton Hall Pirates. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - DECEMBER 8: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones reacts after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on December 8, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 76-66 over the Seton Hall Pirates. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – FEBRUARY 13: Precious Achiuwa #55 of the Memphis Tigers defends during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena on February 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Memphis 92-86 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – FEBRUARY 13: Precious Achiuwa #55 of the Memphis Tigers defends during a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena on February 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Memphis 92-86 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Precious Achiuwa, Memphis Tigers

The Memphis Tigers have another prospect who’s garnering headlines, but don’t lose sight of Precious Achiuwa’s upside. A 6’9″ power forward with a modern skill set and a massive 7’2″ wingspan, Achiuwa could be the steal of the 2020 NBA Draft.

It wouldn’t yet be advisable for the New York Knicks to take a chance on Achiuwa in the Top 5, but should Leon Rose and company slide down the board via the lottery, he could be worth the investment.

Achiuwa has intriguing defensive versatility in that he can slide to the 5 with his left or match up against other stretch 4s with his athleticism. There’s even room for Achiuwa to be able to switch against perimeter scorers and disrupt their rhythm.

That should be a top priority for the New York Knicks, which have traditionally been at their best when they’ve invested in the quality of the defense.

The offensive skill set is somewhat raw here, which creates a player comparison of Christian Wood in that it could take time for Achiuwa to develop. However, he’s a competent shooter who should develop even further with repetition. He’s also a capable finisher at the rim.

A frontcourt of Kevin Knox, Achiuwa, and Mitchell Robinson would give the Knicks one of the biggest, longest, and more versatile frontcourts in the NBA.

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