3: Trevor Keels
New York was expected to walk away from the 2022 draft with both a lottery pick and second-round selection, but after trading away the No. 11 pick, the Knicks’ night concluded after Duke’s Trevor Keels was selected at No. 42.
The 6’4” guard averaged 11.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 36 games for the Blue Devils while shooting 42% from the field and 31.2% from deep. His role in Duke’s run to the Final Four landed him a spot on the ACC All-Rookie Team.
With a 224-pound frame and a 6’7” wingspan, Keels plays extremely physical on both ends of the floor. He doesn’t have a strong 3-point shot, which is a concern, but he helps to space the floor. He uses his stout frame to power his way to the rim, which is where he scores the majority of his points.
With Jericho Sims’ two-way contract being converted to a standard deal, a two-way slot was left vacant, which will now be occupied by Keels. The 18-year-old likely won’t get a lot of time on the court at Madison Square Garden (we know how Tom Thibodeau is), so fans should attend a few games in Westchester to get a good look at him.
In the meantime, tune into New York’s summer league games to watch the Knicks’ most recent draft pick.