New York Knicks: 4 draft prospects using Kenny Payne’s insight

LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 30: Assistant coach Kenny Payne of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Rupp Arena on January 30, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 30: Assistant coach Kenny Payne of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Rupp Arena on January 30, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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ATHENS, GA – FEBRUARY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs gestures to the crowd in the final minutes of a game against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum on February 19, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA – FEBRUARY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs gestures to the crowd in the final minutes of a game against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum on February 19, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

1) Knicks Draft Targets: Anthony Edwards

Edwards is projected to be a top 2 pick, so the chances of the Knicks drafting him are small. However, if the Knicks do beat the odds (9%), you would have to strongly consider taking him.

He has the highest upside of any player in the draft, as he is an athletic freak. His biggest issues appear to be between the ears. His effort and shot selection are concerning. That could be a byproduct of being at Georgia, which is not an elite program.

If he was surrounded by other great players at a program with higher expectations, the effort and focus might have been different. You figure that those maturity issues would have been nipped in the bud at Kentucky. The real question is does Kenny Payne think he can connected with this kid?  If so, then his selection is a no-brainer.

Edwards would allow Knicks to play Frank at the point, let RJ settle into the role of secondary shot creator which he is better suited for and would create more quality kick-out shots for the outside shooters.