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3 offensive-minded players Knicks could pick at No. 11 in 2022 NBA Draft

By Zachary Bachar

MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 30: Johnny Davis #1 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles the basketball during the second half of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kohl Center on January 30, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 66-60. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 30: Johnny Davis #1 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles the basketball during the second half of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kohl Center on January 30, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 66-60. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks currently hold the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and they’ll be looking for a player who can contribute immediately. With draft night a little over a week away, it’s time to take a closer look at the available prospects.

Despite a disappointing 2021-22 season, the Knicks finished with a record of 37-45 and could return to play-in contention as soon as next year if the front office makes the right moves this offseason.

One such move could be drafting an offensive-minded player with their lottery pick, adding someone who could provide a scoring boost off the bench, or someone who could potentially become a starter.

3 offensive-minded prospects the Knicks could select at No. 11 in NBA draft

3: Malaki Branham, Guard, Ohio State

While Malaki Branham may be considered a reach at 11 by some, there’s more than enough evidence to show that the 19-year-old is worthy of being picked in the lottery. His counting stats of 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game may seem pedestrian, but he makes up for it with his efficiency.

Although he wasn’t a high-volume marksman, Branham shot 50% from the field, 42% from three, and 83% from the free-throw line. His efficient scoring would be welcome on a New York team that ranked 27th in the NBA in overall field goal percentage.

The freshman looked comfortable as a pull-up shooter and began extending his range beyond the 3-point line as the season went on.

In fact, his late-season heroics are what caused him to rise up draft boards. Over his final ten contests, Branham averaged 20.2 points per game while shooting a blistering 57% from the field.

While he does need to improve as a defender, his 6’10” wingspan should help him eventually become a net positive on the less glamorous end of the court with some time.

He could immediately slide into a bench role for the Knicks while the coaching staff refines his game. It wouldn’t be difficult to imagine him becoming a starter within a year.

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