Knicks Draft: Kira Lewis Jr. is a viable option for New York

Alabama point guard Kira Lewis Jr. is a possible candidate to be selected as the next point guard of the future for the New York Knicks.

Finding a consistent point guard to run the team has been a problem for the New York Knicks for decades now. Whether it was through prior trades, draft selections, or offseason signings, point guard play has long plagued New York.

Luckily, the 2020 NBA Draft is filled with many point guard prospects that are expected to be selected in the lottery.

Players such as LaMelo Ball, Killian Hayes, Cole Anthony, and Tyrese Haliburton have all been linked to New York. Mock drafts from numerous sites have New York taking one of these point guards.

Kira Lewis Jr. is a potential point guard solution for the New York Knicks

A point guard who has been a bit under the radar, but could very well answer the point guard woes for the Knicks is Alabama point guard Kira Lewis Jr.

Lewis Jr. is a dynamic lead guard who can score on all levels. He averaged over 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assist per game last season, Lewis Jr. has the potential to be an all-around point guard, even at 6-foot-3 inches tall.

What’s most impressive about Lewis Jr.’s game is his efficiency. Lewis Jr. put up a slash line of .459/.366/.802 in college, which would be a welcome addition to a New York team that has lacked efficient shooting from the point guard position. In order for a point guard to very successful in today’s league, shooting must be a strength.

Not only is shooting beneficial to keep opposing defenses guessing, but it also aids a player like RJ Barrett, who will have more space to create his own shot and penetrate with less traffic.

NBA Draft expert, Spencer Pearlman of the Stepien, gives his take on Lewis Jr’s role on offense at the next level:

"“Primary/secondary creator. Ideally you have another primary creator next to him, but Kira has enough ability as a passer and engine to create looks for others. Someone you can have run an offense from time to time, but also function off ball due to his shooting ability.”"

Having a point guard that is able to create for others, while also having the ability to create for himself is something New York desperately needs in order to take that next step into becoming a competitive team.

Lewis Jr. displayed his full offensive package against Georgia last season, scoring 37 points and dishing out 7 assist, while also making 10 free throws in the game. Lewis Jr. has showcased that he is quick enough to get to the basket, while also having the ability to shoot it from deep range.

Another key trait in Lewis Jr.’s game is his ball-handling ability. Lewis Jr. has a tight handle, and is able to break defenders off the dribble, which helps him create his own shot.

Lewis Jr.’s play this past season has earned him a First-team All-SEC selection. The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.

Lewis Jr. is currently mocked to go in the middle of the first round, which is somewhere in-between the Knicks’ lottery pick and late first round pick they acquired from the Clippers. If interested, the Knicks can either trade down from their lottery position, or possibly trade the Clippers pick and their second-round pick to move up.

If the Knicks were to trade for Chris Paul, I believe it would be beneficial for Lewis Jr. to learn under one of the league’s greatest point guards. Similar to what Paul is doing in Oklahoma City right now with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Paul could take Lewis Jr. under his wing, and groom him into becoming the franchise point guard.

The Knicks need to find a point guard in this year’s draft that can bring them stability. If they don’t get a high draft pick, getting a player like Lewis Jr. can very well be a high reward.