New York Knicks hold solo workout for NBA Draft prospect Chris Duarte

With the NBA draft just days away, the New York Knicks have been increasingly tied to a few different prospects, one of whom is University of Oregon product Chris Duarte.

New York worked held a solo workout for Chris Duarte on Friday, per Adam Zagoria.

The Knicks have had a few group workouts with different NBA Draft prospects, but the solo workout for Chris Duarte is a telling sign of the team’s interest.

New York Knicks: Chris Duarte is a rock-solid option in the NBA Draft

Chris Duarte is one of the most versatile and NBA-ready perimeter players in this draft. A 6’6 guard – Duarte has the skillset to be plotted all around the court.

He has quite the complete toolbox to make an impact on the wing. Chris Duarte’s shooting splits will have any team interested in drafting him.

Chris Duarte 2020-21 Shooting Splits:

• 53.2% field goal %
• 42.4% 3-point field goal %
• 81.0% free throw %
• 70.0% at-the-rim field goal % (Best of any college guard in the draft)

Everyone wants to add shooters to their team. Duarte is clearly a compelling prospect largely because of how efficient he is shooting the ball at all levels, but it goes beyond that.

Duarte was assisted on just 65.6% of his 144 3-point jump shots last season, meaning, he can comfortably create his own shot. He could play a huge part in fixing some of the New York Knicks’ offensive woes from last year.

Not only would Duarte be ready to go as a complementary player, he could be relied upon early on to shoulder some load on offense. He has the guard skills and shot creation to be a ball-handler.

Duarte is also 24 years old. He is older than Obi Toppin.

On one hand, his experience makes him a more surefire bet to be an instant contributor. On the other hand, the older age, older than most seniors by 2 years, makes you wonder if the team would elect for younger, high-ceiling prospects.

Regardless, it’s important to remember that the New York Knicks have two first-round selections, picks 19 and 21. Chris Duarte could very well be there at 19, or he could get plucked by another team before NY is on the clock.

One thing is for sure, The New York Knicks are clearly strongly considering Chris Duarte.