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.