The Knicks have enjoyed an eventful draft up to this point, trading the 19th pick to the Charlotte Hornets for a future first round, the 21st pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 25 pick and future second-round, and selected Houston guard Quentin Grimes to bolster their shooting.
Grimes is the perfect 3-and-D fit for the Knicks, who have the majority of their veteran shooters hitting the market, including Reggie Bullock and Alec Burks. With one of the best defenses in the league last season, Tom Thibodeau is clearly trying to retain that status. However, the team still desperately needed a young point guard to add to the roster, but they went in a different direction with Lithuanian native, Rokas Jokubaitis.
With the No. 32 pick, the Knicks moved back with the Oklahoma City Thunder, acquiring the 34th and 36th picks in exchange, per Woj of ESPN.
Oklahoma City has acquired No. 32 from the Knicks for Nos. 34 and 36, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 30, 2021
What does Rokas Jokubaitis bring to the Knicks?
Jokubaitis is certainly an interesting selection for the Knicks, who are gaining a player who averaged just 7.0 points, 2.5 assists, and shot 45% from the field last season with Zalgiris in the Euro League.
His measurables:
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight:Â 194 pounds
- Wingspan: 6’9″
- Position:Â Guard
- Birthdate/Age:Â Â November 19, 2000, 20 years
- International:Â Zalgiris, three seasons
- Stat line:Â Â 7.0Â points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.5 steals
- Home Town:Â Mazeikiai, Lithuania
Solid showings on the international stage have jolted his stock, as Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer believed he could sneak into the first round. As a combo guard with upside, the Knicks took a flier here, but one that could pay off if he develops correctly.