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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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Michigan State’s Xavier Tillman makes a shot during the first half on Sunday, March 8, 2020, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. /

Xavier Tillman, C, Michigan State

The Knicks could benefit from drafting Xavier Tillman in a multitude of ways. Despite his 6’9″ height, he uses his 7’1″ wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and alter shots at the rim. This resulted in hefty averages of 1.3 steals and 2.4 blocks per 36 minutes.

He also has incredible touch around the rim with the ability to finish through contact, shooting 61% on shots inside the arc. Tillman has tried to expand his game but hasn’t excelled just yet, shooting only 26% from three and 67% on free throws.

His shot hinders his overall potential, but his best asset helps raise his floor immensely. Xavier Tillman is the best passing big in the entire draft class. His 3.0 assists per game seem modest, but he’s an expert at reading defenses and making the proper pass.

Centers with playmaking abilities have been dominating the NBA in recent years with standouts such as Domantas Sabonis, Bam Adebayo, and obviously Nikola Jokic. Tillman likely won’t reach the All-Star levels of the aforementioned big men, but he can still help initiate offense at incredibly high rates.

Assuming Mitchell Robinson finally becomes the full-time starting center next year, the Knicks could draft Tillman and allow him to hone his passing instincts against opposing bench units. He could provide a role similar to the one that former Knick Kyle O’Quinn occupied during his three seasons in New York.

Xavier Tillman’s scoring offense is still a work in progress but his defensive energy is contagious and his passing is exceptional.

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