NY Knicks: 3 realistic Center prospects to target in 2021 NBA Draft

Potential NY Knicks target at #19 – Kai Jones

Ok, so this one might be a little bit of a stretch, but if Kai Jones falls a bit, I would love the Knicks to take him at 19 if possible.

I don’t think I would trade up terribly high for a center but again, if Jones lasted past the top 15 picks, it’s likely he could be sitting there at pick #19.

Born in the Bahamas, Kai Jones was a star in high school. In 2019, he chose Texas over other top-tier programs such as Arizona and Kansas.

Jones’ numbers aren’t eye-popping, but it’s his potential that’ll have him selected in the 1st round of the upcoming draft.

Jones averaged roughly 9 points, a steal, a block, and 5 rebounds per game in his sophomore season with the Longhorns.

He’s super athletic, long, and extremely bouncy. Jones lives and thrives above the rim, blocking shots and catching lobs.

He reminds me a bit of a poor man’s Myles Turner in a lot of ways and fits the exact mold of what Coach Thibs has now in Mitchell Robinson, Nerlens Noel, and Norvel Pelle.

He’s maybe not the same defensive stalwart as those other names but I think with the right coaching, he can become a force.

An element he brings to his game that could really help the Knicks is his 3-point shooting ability.

Imagine a player with Mitch-like skills across the board but could also shoot 38% from deep.

If the Knicks didn’t use their 19th overall pick in a trade for more veteran talent, and Kai Jones is on the board…Take him and run!