NBA Mock Draft: Ranking top 10 realistic picks for New York Knicks

8. Maxwell Lewis, G, Pepperdine

Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, there’s a case to be made that Maxwell Lewis is one of the “safest” prospects to select outside the lottery. The sophomore wing has proven that he has the potential to be a 3-and-D contributor right away. During his second season at Pepperdine, in which he started every game, he averaged 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists on 47% shooting from the field and 35% shooting from three-point range (on four attempts per game).

That said, there are certainly some questions about Lewis as a long-term prospect. He struggles to create his own offense and that could emerge as a problem for his viability in the long run at the NBA level. He could absolutely play a defined role due to his capabilities on the defensive end and his outside shooting but because of the questions revolving around the other parts of his game, he’s considered to have somewhat of a low ceiling.

That’s probably the biggest reason why he won’t be drafted higher and it could lead him to fall out of the first round entirely. Either way, he should be a player that the Knicks consider with their first-round pick.