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Knicks NBA Draft: 4 Gonzaga prospects the team could select

By Adam Kester

Mar 20, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) embraces guard Jalen Suggs (1) during the second half against the Norfolk State Spartans in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) embraces guard Jalen Suggs (1) during the second half against the Norfolk State Spartans in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Corey Kispert, Gonzaga, Knicks Draft. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports /

Knicks Draft: Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert is a perfect fit

Corey Kispert has been one of the best players in college basketball in 2021 whose stock seems to always be rising. There’s a strong possibility he could be off the board by the time The Knicks are on the clock. With that said, there’s a strong chance The Knicks trade up in this draft given all of the ammo they have and Kispert is a terrific fit.

Kispert is a 22-year-old, 4-year college player who comes in as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the draft. Knicks fans might have a sour taste in their mouth about older players simply being deemed “NBA-ready” simply because of their age (Obi Toppin). Kispert, however, can easily fit into a complementary role in the league and has the potential to grow into a dynamic scorer.

Size and shooting. Two qualities you love to have in an NBA prospect. Two things Corey Kispert has in spades.

Kispert stands 6’7 with a filled-out, bulky 220lbs frame. He naturally projects to be a strong wing player, but his size certainly gives him the potential to play a few different spots in NBA lineups. He’s got a unique skill set that will allow him to do so. His shooting is what jumps off of the screen.

Kispert has consistently graded out in the top percentiles of shooting metrics: Catch-and-shoot, off-the-dribble, contested, uncontested — It doesn’t matter. It’s a special level of shooting that’s drawn comparisons to NBA sharpshooters like Kyle Korver and Joe Harris.

The Knicks could certainly use a shooter of Kispert’s caliber. It would help to space the floor and open up the offense for players like Randle and Barrett. Kispert’s shooting is all but a sure thing to translate to the next level, but his excellence as a shooter sometimes outshines his potential in other areas.

Kispert has the ability to absorb contact and finish. While his moveset may not be the most advanced, he finds ways to utilize his length to create scoring opportunities for himself. Being a 20 points-per-game scorer in the NBA one day is not out of the question.

The Knicks are lacking in wing depth and talent. With just Reggie Bullock and Kevin Knox on the roster, Kispert would be a fantastic draft pick for The Knicks.

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