Knicks Draft: NY ‘very inquisitive’ about Auburn’s Isaac Okoro
The New York Knicks have shown interest in Auburn wing Isaac Okoro in prep of the 2020 NBA Draft.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl told SNY last week that the New York Knicks have done their homework on NBA lottery prospect Isaac Okoro.
What this means: It might mean nothing. The Knicks have the 8th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, which puts them in range to select from a wide group of prospects. As teams prepare for the annual prospect drawing in these unusual times with in-person interviews and workouts limited, it should be expected that scouting departments will be reaching out to references to try to learn as much as they can about different players.
As Okoro’s head coach, Pearl has incentive to talk up his soon-to-be former player. That said, it is still interesting to find out the Knicks have been “very inquisitive” in talking to coaches up-and-down Pearl’s staff about the young prospect.
Do the Knicks like Okoro? The 6-foot-6 versatile wing reportedly has support among the Knicks brass, per a report from the New York Post published in late August. If recently-hired head coach Tom Thibodeau has his way, he might prefer the team selects a player known for his defensive intensity.
The Knicks have done their homework on Auburn F Isaac Okoro: "They’ve been very inquisitive,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “They’ve talked to strength coaches, trainers, assistant coaches...they’ve liked Isaac from the jump." More on Okoro here: https://t.co/44kibC8php
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 16, 2020
Will Okoro be available at 8? Probably not. Most mocks have Okoro being selected within the first 5-6 picks. If he was to somehow fall to the Knicks at eight, it would seem like a great value pick. However, you would have to wonder why so many teams suddenly passed on him.
Getting to know Okoro: The 19-year-old wing is known as a “jack of all trades” who can do a lot of things to help a team win, but still needs to develop an effective jumpshot. While the Knicks desperately need shooting, perhaps they can find that in free agency, trade, or later in the draft. Should they select Okoro, they would be adding what The Stepien calls a “glue guy” who projects as an “Igoudala type, though maybe not the full playmaker.”
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The Knicks need talent, regardless of position. It shouldn’t be a surprise if the team ends up selecting a wing instead of a point guard with their lottery pick. If Okoro falls into their laps, perhaps he is too good to pass up.