It’s official. The New York Knicks have the No. 11 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft on June 23. New York’s odds weren’t high enough for the organization to sneak into the top four.
It should go without saying that Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari Smith Jr. will likely end up going off the board with the first three picks (in no particular order). Jaden Ivey should be off the board by the time that the Knicks pick at No. 11 as well.
What’s New York going to do? Draft a player who will play a role in the 2022-23 season or opt to use the first-round pick as part of a possible trade? With the draft being a little over five weeks away, there’s a lot that could be done between now and then.
But until that time comes, let’s assume that the Knicks are going to stick with the No. 11 pick because after all, a trade may never happen.
3 players the New York Knicks could choose with No. 11 pick in 2022 draft
3: Dyson Daniels
If New York is going to add another guard to its roster, that player could end up being G League Ignite’s Dyson Daniels. At six-foot-six, he’s going to be valuable to whichever team snags him in this year’s draft.
The Australian native played in 14 games in the G League this past season and averaged 11.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 31 minutes. Daniels shot 44.9% from the field, 25.5% from the 3-point line, and 73.7% from the free-throw line.
It’s evident from his shooting statistics that he needs to develop a shot. As a guard, he needs to be a far better shooter from deep, or else he’s not going to be able to help space the floor and will be a liability on the offensive end.
But the good thing about Daniels are his ball handling and passing abilities, which means that he could end up being the starting point guard for the Knicks if they don’t make a move to acquire another point guard this summer.
Because of Daniels’ size, he’s a solid rebounder too, so if he can become an effective jump-shooter, he’s going to be dangerous.
It helps that the 19-year-old has experience playing for the G League too because although it’s no NBA, Daniels has gotten to play against people who have taken the court in actual NBA games.