1. Purdue's Zach Edey
During his four seasons at Purdue, Zach Edey was among college basketball's most prominent names. He's a two-time National Player of the Year, the first player in 50 years to win the prestigious award in back-to-back seasons.
He averaged a career-high 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game in 2023-24. Propelled by Edey, Purdue made it to the NCAA title game but came up short against UConn, who won its second consecutive championship.
Edey is projected to be a late first-round pick because of his age (22) and questions about how his game will translate to the fast-paced NBA. He's a dominant force down low, finishing at the rim and protecting the paint with his seven-foot-10 wingspan, and he's a great rebounder. However, he isn't quick on his feet, which could be a weakness that opposing teams attack.
The big man is skilled for his size and has a great understanding of basketball. Edey could be more impactful than other rookies if he's on the board when the Knicks take their first pick. If New York loses Hartenstein and/or Achiuwa, having a player like Edey would help to fill the void.