Knicks Lottery Results: 3 options for the 8th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft

1) Knicks Draft Options: Tyrese Haliburton

If the Knicks are looking for a playmaker who can also shoot from the perimeter, perhaps Tyrese Haliburton is their best option, assuming he’s still available at eight.

The Iowa State product brings size – standing 6-foot-5 – high basketball IQ, playmaking ability out of the pick-and-roll, and an efficient three-point shot.

The Stepien projects him to be a top of the rotation, “elite glue guy” at the high end. At worse, they see him as a strong first guard off the bench. Obviously, when picking in the lottery, team scouts will be betting on their ability to draw out the best from the 20-year-old guard.

Haliburton averaged 15.2 points in 22 games during the shortened-college season. Most impressive, he increased his volume shooting from deep, after attempting 3.2 threes in his freshman season, he launched 5.6 per game this year, while maintaining his accuracy at 41.9%.

What is most exciting about Haliburton is his ability to defend in a system, something that should be very appealing to new Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. While he is not the greatest 1-on-1 defender, he plays with basketball smarts, rarely missing a rotation and executing on team schemes, which would be a welcome addition to the Knicks roster under the new coach.

The Knicks desperately need a lead guard who can shoot and play stellar defense next to RJ Barrett. Haliburton might be the best option.