The 2022 NBA Draft Lottery is in less than two weeks and the 2022 NBA Draft is next month, so the New York Knicks’ front office is busy, to say the least. The Knicks have the 11th-best lottery odds and have a 2% chance to pick No. 1 overall.
There have been several mock drafts that have linked New York to names such as Bennedict Mathurin and TyTy Washington Jr.
Depending on what the Knicks’ plans are for free agency and possible trade scenarios this summer, New York may or may not select a point guard with its first pick. Let’s not forget about Immanuel Quickley, who’s shown that he has the potential to be the team’s starting point guard.
With that being said, the Knicks don’t necessarily need to draft a point guard. ESPN’s Seth Greenberg thinks the same. The analyst told New York Post that he thinks that New York should be focused on Mathurin, Johnny Davis, and Jeremy Sochan.
Seth Greenberg thinks New York Knicks should draft Baylor’s Jeremy Sochan
Greenberg thinks that the Knicks should be specifically interested in Sochan because he could be a possible replacement for Julius Randle. Greenberg said:
"“I really like Sochan,’’ Greenberg told The Post. “The size, skill, versatility, development and he’s got an edge to him. They’re going to have to decide what they’re going to do with RJ Barrett. Sochan has a versatility about him and a monster, monster upside as a 3-4 combo. With all the hassle with Julius, where’s their depth at that position?”"
Sochan isn’t a name that’s popped up in mock drafts for the Knicks, but what Greenburg said makes sense, especially given everything that Sochan can do on the court.
"“[Sochan] can shoot the ball and is a very good passer,’’ Greenberg said. “He rebounds his position. His upside is great. He can put it on the floor with skill, has a pretty release. Just a really good feel for a young player and a competitive spirit that I really like. He’s a legit 6-9 player that has a floor game and plays multiple positions. He can step out and shoot, beat you off the bounce. He’s a guy who I think is really undervalued.’’"
Randle’s said that he wants to remain in New York, and president Leon Rose has echoed that sentiment, but it’s tough to see him remaining with the team through at least the 2024-25 season before he has a $29.5 million player option in 2025-26. The power forward being traded this summer is still very much a possibility.
Even if Randle is around for another year or so, having Sochan on the roster would be beneficial. In his freshman year at Baylor, the 18-year-old averaged 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 30 games. He shot 47.4% from the field, 29.6% from the 3-point line, and 58.9% from the free-throw line.
The six-foot-nine combo forward is a good defender in the post and around the perimeter, which would come in handy if center Mitchell Robinson signs elsewhere in free agency.
Looking at Sochan’s shooting numbers, his 3-point percentage needs to improve. The same was said about Obi Toppin when he was drafted in 2020 and he closed out the 2021-22 season as a threat from deep.
Mathurin and Davis would be good draft options for the Knicks as well, so if the team selects one of the three in the first round, fans should be excited. And although you might not hear Sochan’s name often, don’t underestimate his possible fit in New York.
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