Knicks Draft: 4 combo guards to consider in first round

Mar 7, 2020; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Tyrese Maxey (3) drives to the basket against the Florida Gators during the second half at Exactech Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2020; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Tyrese Maxey (3) drives to the basket against the Florida Gators during the second half at Exactech Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 8, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Tyrese Haliburton (22) reacts during the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats at Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

1) Combo Guards for the Knicks to consider: Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton may have been the starting point guard at Iowa St., but he probably translates better as a secondary ball-handler in the NBA.

Make no mistake about it, Haliburton is one of the best passers in the draft. He’s a terrific pick and roll-operator who is always looking to find the open man.

The issue with Haliburton is that he doesn’t have a great handle or ability to create his own shot, two vital skills to succeed as an NBA team’s primary ball-handler.

While this may deter fans from wanting him, Haliburton could become a terrific glue-guy in the NBA. At 6-5 with a 6’7″ wingspan, Haliburton has nice size for a 2-guard.

Haliburton’s ability to operate a pick-and-roll at the 2 would put a lot of strain on opposing defenses. While his shooting off the bounce may not be great, Haliburton has shown to be a great catch-and-shooter from long-range. The Knicks need shooters.

On the other side of the ball, Haliburton possesses the potential to guard multiple positions, something that Tom Thibodeau would love to have at his disposal. He may not be flashy, but Haliburton could be a nice chess piece for the Knicks’ future.