While the 2020 NBA draft has just concluded, the New York Knicks could already be looking toward 2021. After selecting Obi Toppin with the eighth overall pick and Immanuel Quickley with the 25th, President Leon Rose is dedicated to his youth, building out a foundation and setting himself up for the future.
That is a primary reason why he elected to consume bad contracts from other teams in return for draft capital down the road. He managed to extract three second-round picks for the 2023 NBA draft from former Utah Jazz center Ed Davis.
It is clear the Knicks have a plan in mind, and it primarily revolves around developing their youth and preparing to sign a big name down the road. However, it is never a bad idea to instill confidence and faith in your youngsters, allowing them to grow under a new scheme and curate chemistry. That is why Rose and the front office could already be targeting Cade Cunningham and the 2021 NBA draft.
The New York Knicks have a good shot at landing a stud:
Next year’s draft is completely loaded with shooters and quality talent, but Cunningham has the potential to be a triple-double player in the NBA. In his first game with Oklahoma State, the guard posted 21 points, 10 rebounds, and shot 43.8% from the field. He was also 40% from downtown, showing off his range of skills. At 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Cunningham is the consensus number one overall pick, and while that is just a projection, his first game was no anomaly. He is an absolute stud with a potential to be one of the best prospects in recent memory, minus Zion Williamson.
When watching Cade, you notice a few different things. First off, he moves with such ease and quickness, it almost seems as if he is floating across the floor. He finishes above the rim and can score from any position on the court.
As a combo guard, he has perfect size and length to play a number of positions and fit in any mold. Tom Thibodeau would have a field day with a player like Cunningham, who would pair beautifully with Toppin, RJ Barrett, and Mitchell Robinson. Theoretically, if the Knicks were able to land him, they would only need one veteran star to complete the starting five.
Cade Cunningham, ladies and gentlemen.
Remember the name ? pic.twitter.com/wdbeZ0lX6u
— ESPN (@espn) November 25, 2020
Adding all of these draft picks for the future could end up being the perfect move, as they could compile them and move up in the draft next year or acquire a more valuable selection in 2022, which would be more relevant for 2021.
While the 2021 draft is quite some time away, the thought is exciting and worth exploring.