The New York Knicks are expected be aggressive in upgrading their roster this offseason. They have many avenues with which they can do so, being in a favorable financial standing, and boasting a hefty stash of draft picks.
New York picks twice in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, at No. 24 and No. 25 overall, and the latest mock draft from the Associated Press has the Knicks selecting Duke standout Kyle Filipowski with the 24th overall pick.
Knicks projected to select dynamic Duke big man
The 6-foot-11 center averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game last season for the Duke Blue Devils. The big man has showcased an ability to stretch the floor, shooting 34.8% from three on over three attempts per game last season.
John Marshall of the Associated Press believes that Filipowski could be the type of player that could help New York get past the second round, which is where the team’s last two playoff runs have ended.
“The sturdy 6-11 center may not be an elite rim protector nor a consistent 3-pointer shooter, but he has good footwork and plays hard,” Marshall writes. “The Knicks had a solid run into the second round of the playoffs and Filipowski could be another piece to help push them deeper.”
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The Knicks are also projected to select a standout Marquette guard with the 25th overall pick
Additionally, the AP’s mock draft projects the Knicks to select Marquette standout guard Tyler Kolek with the 25th overall pick. Kolek averaged 15.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game last season with the Golden Eagles. The guard is a two-time All-American selection and could take pressure off of Jalen Brunson as a reserve for the Knicks.
New York will consider all of its options ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft. The team has had concerns about its depth according to SNY’s Ian Begley, so whether they keep their draft picks or not, one can expect the team to look much different next season compared to last.