Daily Knicks
Fansided

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

By Ken Tavarez

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Knicks
LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 29: Isaac Okoro #23 of the Auburn Tigers is seen during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 29, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2) Knicks Draft Targets: Isaac Okoro

If the Knicks don’t move up in the draft, an intriguing prospect to consider is Okoro. He is built like a tank and gives off a 90’s Knicks vibe. Maybe it’s because he conjures up memories of past frontcourt enforcers: Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason and Larry Johnson.

Okoro would be a player Coach Thibodeau would love. He is a beast on defense, can cover almost every position on a switch. He also is a winner, does a lot of things that don’t show up on the box score.

The main concern with Okoro is his offense, most notably his outside shooting, only connecting on 29% on 3-pointers this past season. If Kenny Payne believes Okoro can become effective enough on offense to take keep defenses honest then he could be key to making the Knicks an elite defensive team.

3) Knicks Draft Targets: Tyrese Maxey

New York Knicks
New York Knicks option Tyrese Maxey #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after a basket in the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena on February 15, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

This is a player I personally liked, but felt was not a good fit for the Knicks. He is an undersized shooting guard that isn’t an elite athlete and is not great at getting to the rim. He also shot only 29% on 3-pointers this past season. However, he has that “it” factor and Kenny Payne cannot stop raving about Maxey.

If the Knicks are willing to trade into the middle of the 1st round, then he could be a steal.

Home/Knicks Draft