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Ranking Knicks’ 2022 NBA Draft Big Board options for No. 11 pick

By Nathan Smith

Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Keon Johnson (Tennessee) walks off the stage after being selected as the number twenty-one overall pick by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Keon Johnson (Tennessee) walks off the stage after being selected as the number twenty-one overall pick by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks, Ohio State Buckeyes, Malaki Branham
Malaki Branham, Ohio State Buckeyes. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

10. Malaki Branham – Ohio State

Malaki Branham is a name that hasn’t been talked about as much for the Knicks at No. 11. But given their need for a three-level scorer who can get his own bucket, as well as having great athleticism, he fits the exact prototype that the team needs although he won’t be New York’s first choice.

While not as apt defensively as some other prospects, Branham has the length and disruptive abilities to turn into a great defender at the next level. But mostly what scouts for the Knicks and all 30 teams will be looking at is his incredible scoring ability, especially his ability to create his own shot.

Branham won’t be the bigger name that New York fans are expecting in this draft, but given how well Quentin Grimes turned out a year ago despite being overlooked, if the front office were to make this call, it should be trusted, as he is full of offensive potential with defensive abilities that go beyond his stats at Ohio State.

This likely isn’t going to be the Knicks’ pick at No. 11, but on the off chance that the draft plays out in a way that none expect, it wouldn’t be the worst decision for New York. Branham could shine as a sixth man in today’s NBA and would add yet another talent to this young Knicks core.

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