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Knicks: Mock draft of former NYK players in the NBA playoffs

By Jeffrey Bellone

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers adjusts his headband during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers adjusts his headband during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Kyle O’Quinn #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks for help as Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns defends during the first half of a NBA basketball game at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /

Mock of former Knicks in NBA Playoffs: Just not good enough

15) Thanasis Antetokounmpo

The only reason Knicks fans should be worried about this Antetokounmpo is if you somehow believe his presence on the roster helps you attract another Antetokounmpo, and now I’m just excited that I typed Antetokounmpo twice—make that three times.

While Thanasis has received some playing time in the bubble seeding games, he should return to the bench once the playoffs kick into gear. His main use on this list is to put someone completely random ahead of Mudiay.

14) Kyle O’Quinn

The original Knicks Film School avatar. Forgive me if I am a bit nostalgic about Mr. Kyle O’Quinn. However, the bearded big man has only regressed since leaving the Knicks. Playing for a good Philadelphia team this season, the 76ers are an astonishing 13.7 points worse when O’Quinn is on the floor. That’s because their defense allows an extra 13.1 points per 100 possessions with him as one of their defenders, which ranks in the 0% percentile, or the complete bottom of the league. Granted, when O’Quinn plays, it means Embiid and Horford are not, but those numbers are flat out ugly.

Since I can’t end on such a negative note, I must mention the near triple-double by O’Quinn during the seeding games in the bubble. In 32 minutes, KOQ scored 9 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and handed out a career-high 11 assists.

13) Mario Hezonja

The LeBron stopper? Mario Hezonja’s greatest moment as a Knick came when he miraculously blocked LeBron James on a potential game-winning shot. Now with Portland drawing the Lakers in the first round, it’s possible Hezonja finds a role trying to defend the world’s greatest player in a playoff series. With Trevor Ariza at home, the Blazers will need to get creative in offering wings who can spend some time against #23.

Overall, Hezonja is still Hezonja. He teases with his ability to look like a modern forward, only to appear completely clumsy and awkward one play later. Portland was 12.1 points worse with him on the floor this season. If you’re drafting former Knicks, nobody is picking Hezonja high up on the board.

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