The New York Knicks have started their draft prep while quarantined at home. Arizona star Zeke Nnaji will meet with them virtually this week.
NBA prospect Zeke Nnaji has a virtual interview scheduled with the New York Knicks this week, according to Darren Wolfson of SKOR North.
The Minnesota native was named to the First-team All-Pac-12 team this season. He was also awarded the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Award. In 32 games, he averaged 16.1 points on 57% shooting from the field, while grabbing 8.6 rebounds and blocking nearly one shot per game (0.9).
The 6-foot-11 big man is projected to be a second round pick by many mock drafts. A mock recently released by The Ringer placed Nnaji 42nd overall, calling him a “fluid athlete who has all the tools to be an effective two-way big, though his defense needs to develop.”
The Knicks have Mitchell Robinson as their young prize in the front court, but they will likely let Bobby Portis and Taj Gibson walk during the offseason. That leaves Julius Randle as the other big man on the roster.
New York currently holds two first round picks in the 2020 draft, along with the 38th pick, based on current standings, in the second round from the trade that sent Willy Hernangomez to Charlotte.
Former Hopkins HS and Arizona star Zeke Nnaji has the #Knicks, #Bucks, and #Pistons for virtual interviews this week. The PAC-12 Freshman of the Year is an intriguing prospect. https://t.co/Nhfs6ftDCO
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) May 19, 2020
While the Knicks have been busy building up their scouting staff this week with the additions of Jazz executive Walt Perrin and former Nets assistant GM Frank Zanin, it is unclear if either will be officially part of the organization in time for the virtual meeting with Nnaji. Obviously, Perrin, who will be the head of college scouting for the Knicks, will be quickly looped into draft preparations.
The 2020 NBA draft is scheduled for June 25, but will certainly be postponed. The NBA is currently in discussions to resume the season in a bubble-like atmosphere in Walt Disney World as early as mid-July.