Knicks: 3 options for the 8th overall pick, given what we know
Knicks 8th Overall Pick: Tyrese Haliburton
Looking for playmaking and shooting, Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton might be the safe pick for the New York Knicks. After starting his college career off the ball, the 6-foot-5 guard has developed into a pick-and-roll playmaker who could be a nice fit next to RJ Barrett.
Haliburton recently told reporters that he has met with the Warriors, Knicks, and Pistons. It’s very possible he is off the board by the time New York picks. But there doesn’t appear to be any consensus on where players outside of the top 3-4 will be selected.
While meeting with reporters recently, the Iowa State standout talked about whether he is a better fit as a point guard or shooting guard.
"“I think I can run a team right away,” Haliburton said according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “But if you want me to play the 2, and knock down shots, and defend, I think I can do that as well. So whatever’s asked of me, I’ll do it. I think basketball’s transitioning more and more into small ball or positionless basketball, so I think I can really fit anywhere and I think if I move to the 2, and I’m close to the rebound, I’m going to grab it and take it anyway. So it doesn’t really matter for me, either spot.”"
Haliburton played as the pick-and-roll ballhandler in 28 percent of his possessions last season (most of any play type). He was an “average” player in those situations based on Synergy tracking of points per possession. However, his team’s efficiency improved on plays where he passed to the roll man out of the pick-and-roll (think Mitchell Robinson). He was also an “excellent” spot-up shooter to offset the times he didn’t have the ball in his hands.
Next. NBA Mock Draft with Knicks picking 8th. dark
A lot can change over the next several weeks leading up to the draft. New York might decide to use their 8th pick in a trade, either to move up or to acquire a veteran piece. But based on what we know right now, it seems like Okoro, Vassell, and Haliburton are three very real possibilities for the New York Knicks.