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

ByJeffrey 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 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks for a pass against Kemba Walker #8 and Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 17, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images)

Mock of former Knicks in NBA Playoffs: In the right situation

8) Wesley Matthews

Do we even count Wesley Matthews as a former Knick? He technically played two games in New York after being acquired in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, but was soon bought out. The veteran shooter has found a home with the championship-hunting Milwaukee Bucks. His three-point shooting percentage is down from his career average this season (36.4% versus 38.1%), but he remains a volume shooter who can get hot at the right time.

Pretty much anyone who can shoot is a more desirable option for the Knicks than players who cannot, which, unfortunately, includes several people on last year’s roster.

7) Enes Kanter

One of the most polarizing players during the David Fizdale era, Enes Kanter has always known how to fill up a scoresheet, but questions about his defensive play have left many wondering whether he can be a positive net contributor on a good team.

Well, he has proven that he can be on the Boston Celtics. In fact, his literal strength in defending in the post is seen as an asset against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers this playoffs. In two regular season match-ups, Kanter has been a bit of an Embiid stopper, holding him to just 7-19 shooting (36.8%) as the primary defender.

After on/off stats have painted Kanter as one of the worst defenders in the league, the Celtics played almost even in stopping opponents with Kanter on the floor versus when he was on the bench.

6) Tim Hardaway Jr.

With all of the focus on Kristaps Porzingis, I think Tim Hardaway Jr. is often overlooked in terms of his value on the right team. As a number one option, no. In fact, it took some time for the Michigan alum to adapt to a lesser role in Dallas, but once he did, he found success.

After shooting 40.7% during his second tenure with the Knicks, Hardaway is shooting 43.4% in Dallas, including a career-best 39.8% from downtown. He has been part of the most efficient offense in league history. Put him in the right situation, and the 28-year-old guard has plenty to offer on the offensive end of the floor.

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