Knicks Draft: Tyler Bey is an intriguing option as a two-way force

Colorado forward Tyler Bey would be a great addition to the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks are looking to add talent in the 2020 NBA Draft that can complement their young roster.

One of the under the radar players in this year’s draft is Colorado Buffaloes forward Tyler Bey. The 6-foot-7 guard was one of the most versatile players in college basketball this past season.

Bey utilizes his athleticism and length to his advantage, which makes him an intriguing two-way threat. With a reported 7-foot-1 wingspan, Bey can defend both the perimeter and in the paint. For the past two seasons, he has been one of the best defensive players in college basketball, winning the 2019-20 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

It’s not just his blocks and steals that catch the eye when watching Bey defend, but it’s also appreciating the little things he does, such as having good defensive mechanics and not settling for silly fouls. Though he will have to get stronger at the next level, Bey already has the proper tools to hold his own on the defensive end.

Tyler Bey would be a great two-way addition to the New York Knicks.

In college, Bey defended bigger forwards and some centers in the post, and showed off his ability to block their hook shots. He is also a good close-out defender, swatting away a few jump shots last season. Bey’s hustle and mentality on the defensive end just adds to his overall play as a prospect, which is why any team would love to have a player like him on their team.

On the offensive end, Bey was used more off the ball, and will likely be used the same way at the next level. The two-way guard finds the right angles and spaces to be a threatening cutter, and uses his athleticism to finish strong above the rim.

Bey didn’t shoot much in college, but can be a reliable spot-up shooter in the pros. His mechanics are sound, and if his shot improves, Bey can be a key 3-and-D player. Last season, he attempted 33 three-pointers and made 11 of them, which equals to 41 percent. Bey also shot 74 percent from the free throw line.

NBA Draft expert, Spencer Pearlman of the Stepien, gives his take on what Bey will bring on both offense and defense as a professional:

"“3/D player – bottom option on offense who will require shots being made for him. Might be able to develop into some basic movement shooting, as he has shown flashes here already, but will likely be a stationary shooter. Attacks off closeouts.”“Versatile wing defender – someone you can put on the opposing team’s best perimeter threat. Awesome combination of quickness (hips, feet, hands), and athleticism give him a lot of potential as a defender. Defensive playmaker, weak-side rim protector.”"

This past season, Bey averaged 13.8 points, 9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks per game during his junior year. His career averages are 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block. His play has made him a potential steal in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Bey is mocked to go somewhere between late in the first round to early in the second round, and he is likely to be available when the Knicks pick with their second first round pick that was acquired from the Clippers in the Morris trade.

Drafting Bey would give the Knicks a versatile player that can have an impact on both ends of the floor. Assuming that Tom Thibodeau gets the head coaching job, a player like Bey can thrive in a system under a coach of Thibodeau’s pedigree.

Bey doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be productive, which is a positive. He will find ways to score by running up the floor and looking for key openings. His three years at Colorado has enhanced his development and will make him NBA-ready.

New York needs players that many like to call “dogs” to go out there and give 100 percent. Drafting Bey would only help build that foundation.