New York Knicks: The Ballad of forward Kevin Knox II

New York Knicks: The Ballad of Kevin Knox II

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Kevin Knox poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted ninth overall by the New York Knicks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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Kevin Knox, New York Knicks /

While Kevin Knox was not my number one choice at the time of the draft, it was hard to complain about Steve Mills and the New York Knicks selecting a long, athletic forward with shooting potential.

New York Knicks: Kevin Knox as a prospect

He had the body, the school pedigree, and everything going for him that made him a “good” selection by the New York Knicks. It was the sort of risk you take at the 9th pick of the draft.

The Knicks had an extensive history of building a team through expensive signings and lopsided trades. Building through the draft in the Post-Carmelo/Porzingis era was going to be the new direction.

Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Michael Porter Jr. were available at number 9 but Shai’s size was in question and no one knew if MPJ was ever going to play a healthy game in the NBA. Kevin Knox was the safe project with plenty of upside.