The 2021 NBA Draft Lottery is just next week and for the first time in quite a while, the NY Knicks are not in it.
An absolute bittersweet feeling, more so on the sweet, because while this draft in particular seems to be one of the stronger classes in some time, I’d rather the Knicks be in the playoffs than picking at the top of the draft yet again.
The Knicks have four selections in this year’s draft, numbers 19, 21, 32, and 58.
It’s far more likely that they trade out of the draft entirely or consolidate their picks in a trade up rather than bringing four brand new rookies to next year’s roster.
But for this article, we’re going to assume the Knicks, at the very least, stay put at 19 and make their selection.
With over $50 million in cap space this summer, they could look to do some serious damage in either the trade market or in free agency with the ability to have one of the heaviest hands in the league.
Who should the NY Knicks draft with pick #19 in the 2021 NBA Draft?
But bringing in a solid rookie to add into the mix couldn’t hurt.
The needs for the team are simple really…They most certainly need point guard depth.
It will be interesting to see if they decide to draft a point guard, re-sign Derrick Rose and move him into the starting lineup or if they opt to sign or trade for their starter at the position and keep Rose on the bench.
That’s if they keep Rose altogether.
Secondly, they need more shooting, primarily on the wing. The Knicks ranked 4th in the league in 3-point field goal percentage but they achieved this on the 4th lowest shot attempts in the league.
Lastly, while the center position looks solid as of today, they could certainly benefit from drafting a big man this year.
Mitchell Robinson is entering the last year of his rookie contract and is due for an extension soon.
If the Knicks and Robinson can’t agree on a number between now and next year’s trade deadline, he could likely be on the move.
Nerlens Noel is going to be looking to get paid himself and if Mitch does get re-signed, Nerlens most definitely won’t.
As a point of reference, I’ll be using Daily Knicks’ Mock draft by Adam Kester.
Here are 3 prospects I could see the Knicks targeting with the 19th overall pick.