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New York Knicks: 4 players to target with the 38th Pick in the draft

By Zachary Bachar

COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 29: Xavier Tillman Sr. #23 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 29, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 29: Xavier Tillman Sr. #23 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 29, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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March 9, 2020; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Killian Tillie (33) shoots the basketball against San Francisco Dons guard Khalil Shabazz (0) during the first half during the semifinal game in the WCC Basketball Championships at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports. /

Killian Tillie, PF/C, Gonzaga

Stretch bigs are highly coveted in today’s game, and Killian Tillie certainly fits the bill. The 6’10” senior shot at least 40% from three in each of his four seasons in college. His 75% free throw mark, quick shooting motion, and high release point all indicate that his shot has an extremely high probability of translating to the pros.

He’s not a lockdown defender or a shot-blocking menace, but he can play solid team defense and hold his own against most forwards and centers. He’ll be turning 23 next season, so his 13.9 points per game indicate that he might not amount to anything more than a solid role player.

However, the largest concern about Tillie has nothing to do with his skills on the court but rather his ability to stay on the court. He struggled with knee and ankle injuries throughout college, missing a combined 31 games over the last two seasons.

There’s still enough reward to outweigh the risk, especially with the need for floor-spacing around promising young players like RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson.

Tom Thibodeau likely has Tillie on his radar as well, given his affinity for catch-and-shoot bigs such as Nikola Mirotic and Nemanja Bjelica. With the future of Bobby Portis uncertain, Leon Rose might opt to choose a cheap replacement in the draft and spend money elsewhere.

A pro comparison for Tillie would probably be Bjelica or Maxi Kleber of the Dallas Mavericks. If he’s still available in the middle of the second round, he’d be a welcome addition to the Knicks roster.

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