With the NBA draft looming next week, the New York Knicks are diligently evaluating potential picks. According to the New York Post, the team hosted a significant workout session on Friday.
International Prospect Draws Attention
Jacki Cui, currently a player for the Guangzhou Long-Lions, has shown promising stats last season, averaging 11.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 39 games. This year, he improved his performance over 49 games, scoring 15.6 points with 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Cui shoots 45.3% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range. At 21 years old, the power forward is anticipated to transition to a guard role in the NBA.
Versatile Scorers on the Knicks’ Radar
David Jones, hailing from Memphis, has had a diverse collegiate journey, starting at DePaul University, transferring to St. John’s, and finally playing for Memphis. He excelled this past season with averages of 21.8 points and 7.6 rebounds, along with 1.8 assists, shooting 45.6% from the field and 38% from three-point range. At 6’6″, Jones’s scoring ability and size make him an intriguing prospect for the Knicks.
Spencer Jones of Stanford, a 6’7″, 225-pound forward, also caught the Knicks’ attention. He spent five seasons at Stanford, averaging 11.7 points and 4.1 rebounds this past year across 25 games, with a three-point shooting rate of 40.9%. Known for his perimeter shooting, Spencer could be a valuable addition for the Knicks.
Emerging Talents Considered
Ajay Mitchell from UCSB is another prospect under consideration. The guard posted an average of 20 points, four rebounds, and four assists last season, with an impressive field goal percentage of 50.4%. Despite coming from a smaller school, Mitchell’s quickness and skills are notable.
Antonio Reeves, a senior from Kentucky, averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this past season, shooting 51.2% from the field and an elite 44.7% from three-point range. Known for his off-ball scoring, Reeves could be a dynamic bench player for the Knicks.
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Promising Shooter from Hofstra
Lastly, Tyler Thomas from Hofstra, who averaged 22.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists last season, was also evaluated. His three-point shooting percentage was 37.1%, attempting over 10 shots from beyond the arc per game. As the 2023-24 CAA Player of the Year, Thomas has shown significant improvement as a shooter, making him a potential developmental asset for the Knicks.