NBA Mock Draft leading up to the Knicks selecting 8th overall

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Potential New York Knicks target James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers walks up court during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks between the Oregon Ducks and Memphis Grizzlies at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

3. Charlotte Hornets: James Wiseman, C, Memphis

For a while, Memphis big man James Wiseman was a near-consensus number one pick in this year’s draft, but his stock could have been impacted by an NCAA ruling on a booster dispute that resulted in a 12-game suspension. In a season already hampered by the coronavirus, scouts were unable to see much of Wiseman at all this past calendar year.

It’s debatable whether he should still be considered the top prospect in the draft, but with Minnesota and Golden State picking ahead of Charlotte, it seems plausible that Wiseman will drop to third.

The Hornets should be thrilled to have the big man fall into their laps, as they could use an upgrade at center over veteran Cody Zeller. As Wiseman uses his dominating size to score in the post, Charlotte’s lottery pick from last June, PJ Washington, offers the perfect complement as a stretch four.

Wiseman still has to develop his game, as any young prospect, but he offers the tantalizing potential as a rim player who can both finish with high efficiency as well as protect his own basket.

Despite his 7-foot-5 wingspan, he can move up and down the floor and even handle the basketball a bit. He is a stellar pick for Charlotte at three.

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