Knicks Draft: Pre-lottery mock of every possible New York pick

Knicks 2020 Mock Draft: 4th overall pick Onyeka Okongwu

Pre-Lottery Odds: 9.6%

An athletic forward with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Onyeka Okongwu could be an intriguing player for the Knicks to consider at the top of the draft. The Los Angeles native played alongside Lonzo and LaMelo Ball at Chino Hills High School in California before enrolling at the University of Southern California this past college season.

Playing for USC, he earned first team All-Pac-12 honors after scoring 16.2 points, grabbing 8.6 rebounds, and blocking 2.7 shots per game. His athleticism and soft hands make him an excellent candidate to develop into a modern NBA big man who can thrive in a system where he acts as both a finisher on the pick-and-roll as well as a facilitator from the post.

He also has superb value on the defensive end, as summarized by Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer:

"“Excellent pick-and-roll defender. He’s mobile and versatile, able to drop, switch, or hedge. When he’s protecting the rim in either pick-and-roll or help situations, his positioning, timing, and instincts lead to effective shot alterations. He’s usually in the right spot, which is rare for a player his age.”"

The Knicks have Mitchell Robinson as their big man of the future, but Okongwu’s size makes him well-suited to play a forward role. While he wouldn’t provide New York with a stretch threat from the perimeter, his ability to act as a facilitator can help space the floor.