With the NBA Draft just over 2 weeks away, rumors are going to start intensifying for the New York Knicks and other teams around the league.
With 3 selections within the first 32 picks and 4 selections overall, the rumors have been running particularly wild with the New York Knicks considering all of the possible scenarios that could unfold during the draft. One prospect with who the team has shown interest is the University of Tennessee product Jaden Springer.
The New York Knicks hold a workout for Jaden Springer
Jaden Springer has worked out for the Knicks, Spurs, Thunder, Pacers, Pelicans, Pacers. Lot of buzz about him looking more explosive with a healthy ankle.
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) July 13, 2021
The New York Knicks’ workout for Jaden Springer was held with other 2021 NBA Draft prospects Vrenz Bleijenbergh and Joshua Primo, but of whom are likely 2nd round targets. Springer, on the other hand, is a prime candidate for being one of the Knicks’ selections with one of their 1st round picks.
While one of the popular hypotheticals for New York has been to trade-up in the draft, being able to nab Springer with pick 19 or 21 could pay off in a big. The 18-year-old is one of the youngest players in the draft and appears to be getting a lot of pre-draft buzz.
While Springer may be one of the rawer guard prospects and an unknown in terms of what his true skillset will be in the NBA, he has the athleticism, work ethic, and flashes of brilliant play that will have teams like New York very intrigued.
A common theme with New York’s offseason wishlist among fans and analysts has been the need for more talent in the backcourt. Whether it’s through free agency, trades, or the draft, this team is going to want to look at adding some new elements to their roster along the perimeter.
Jaden Springer has the looks of someone who could gain Tom Thibodeau’s trust early on due to his high level of defense and intensity while potentially developing a big-time offensive game down the line.
DailyKnicks writer Mike DeStefano interviewed a scout and picked his brain about Jaden Springer’s potential – that article will be out later this week, stay tuned.