Could Kira Lewis Jr. become a first round selection for the New York Knicks?
Alabama point guard Kira Lewis Jr. has conducted an in-person workout with the New York Knicks in prep of the 2020 NBA Draft, according to multiple reports.
What this means: Due to Covid restrictions, NBA teams are limited to only ten in-person visits with prospects leading up to the draft on November 18. The fact the Knicks have reportedly used one of those visits on Lewis Jr. should tell you they have some interest in the speedy guard.
New York is set to pick 8th overall, which might be a little high to target Lewis Jr., as many mocks project the 6-foot-3 guard to be a mid-to-late first round pick, although there remains no clear consensus on where any prospect will fall outside of the top few picks.
The Knicks also hold the 27th pick from the Clippers, in addition to their early second round pick (38th) from Charlotte. It’s possible team president Leon Rose could try to maneuver to a more favorable spot to select the Alabama guard, depending on how the final draft board develops.
Per source, Kira Lewis Jr. has worked out for the Magic, Knicks and Pistons over the past week, works out for the Bulls today
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) October 28, 2020
Besides the Knicks, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report indicates Lewis Jr. has worked out for the Magic, Pistons, and Bulls over the past week.
Kira impressed by the Knicks: Lewis Jr. interviewed with the Knicks over Zoom several weeks back. He came away from that experience sounding impressed.
"“It was a good interview, they got great people,” Lewis said via Forbes. “It was a very comfortable interview, I could sit back and have a good time. Playing with those young guys [R.J. Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, etc.], it would be good because I know they like to compete. Being able to add what I could on offense and on the defensive side as well, I feel like it will be a good system to be in with those guys.”"
Speed kills: Known for his explosiveness, Lewis Jr. earned First-team All-SEC honors in 2020 while averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds during his sophomore campaign. Uniquely, he has also developed a knack for blocking shots.
While Lewis Jr. projects as an athletic combo guard who can score, he still needs to develop his playmaking skills. He might not necessarily be the answer to fill the hole at point guard for the Knicks.