Knicks 2022 NBA Draft: No. 11 pick prospect Johnny Davis
By Nathan Smith
Johnny Davis is a complete wild card heading into the 2022 NBA Draft, as he could go anywhere from No. 6 overall to the mid-teens. If he falls to No. 11, the New York Knicks would need to have a top player ahead of him in order to pass on the Wisconsin wing.
With good length, great scoring ability, and the ever important versatility, Davis is a player that every Knicks fan out there should keep their eye on, as he fits the mold of what this team is looking for going forward.
Throughout the draft process, several players rise and fall before the night comes, and Davis is a name to watch as a big-time riser. Like other players New York may desire, there’s a good chance that the organization would have to make a move up to grab him.
How does Johnny Davis fit with this New York Knicks squad?
Davis fits exactly what this young Knicks team wants in a player, as he is a wiry, strong, athletic, and most importantly aggressive young wing. He put up almost 20 points per game in his second season at Wisconsin, making him the perfect addition to the group of wings that New York is developing.
If the Knicks are content with Immanuel Quickley and Derrick Rose running the point guard spot throughout the 2022-23 season, then Davis, a potential starter or bench player (in favor of either Quentin Grimes or Evan Fournier), would almost be the perfect fit for this squad.
One thing that New York did when it succeeded in 2021-22 was played hard with energy, and it mainly came from the young guys like Barrett, Quickley, and Obi Toppin. If Davis was to be selected to join this core, he would exemplify everything those guys show on the court.
Like all those other young names, Davis has a knack for getting to the free-throw line. If he can be confident drawing contact and knocking down a three at the next level, the Knicks would be confident in any lineup and any player they put on the court in 2022-23.
Will Johnny Davis be available when the New York Knicks draft at No.11?
This draft has turned from one where the first round was somewhat easy to predict, to nothing but guesswork at this point, as some different drafts have players being drafted with a range of 10 picks. But Davis is seemingly holding steady in the No. 9-12 range.
Thankfully, if New York doesn’t trade up or down in the draft, that would be the exact spot that the team would be picking. From all accounts, it looks like the organization is a big fan of Davis, and should definitely get the chance to draft him on June 23rd if that’s what they want to do.
Will the Knicks draft Johnny Davis if he is on the board at No. 11?
It’s no secret that the Knicks’ front office truly covets Jaden Ivey in the upcoming draft, but if they aren’t able to work a deal with Sacramento for the No. 4 overall pick, then they will stay put at No. 11 and select the best available player. If that is Davis, New York would likely be thrilled, as Marc Berman recently confirmed that the front office has plenty of interest in the young wing.
If the Knicks can make this deal happen to have a young wing core of Barrett, Grimes, Reddish, and Davis, it’d be hard to argue against that core being one of the best in the league. While Barrett is the clear star and everyone can contribute, Davis might be the next big star in this group.
With shooting ability on all levels, great athleticism, and most importantly intensity and energy, this could turn out to be one of the best picks in the draft. If coach Tom Thibodeau can commit to the young guys the way that the New York Rangers did, this could be a team that’s ready to step into the playoff picture for years to come.
