If there is any singular position the New York Knicks need to solve this off-season, it is point guard. With Derrick Rose and Elfrid Payton preparing to hit the open market, there’s no guarantee the Knicks will retain either, so they could be looking outward for an answer. While bringing back Rose would have its benefits, considering he has experience with Tom Thibodeau and played well during the 2020-21 season, the team may target an option like Chris Paul if he elects to leave Phoenix.
The organization did sign Argentinian PG Luca Vildoza to a four-year deal, so they anticipate a productive player next season they can use to back up a star like Paul or Damian Lillard. Alternatively, they can use the draft to inject a young player with upside as a second option for a free agent acquisition.
Let’s take a look at a scenario for the Knicks, seeing them land a solid PG with potential and a front-court defender to help ease the burden of Mitchell Robinson.
New York Knicks Mock Draft:
19th overall: Tre Mann
Instead of pairing together their first-round selections and moving up as high as possible, the Knicks stay put in this scenario, selecting Tre Mann out of Florida. The 6’5â€, 190-pound point guard has undeniable scoring prowess, focusing on creating shots for his teammates and himself. He averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, and shot 40.2% from downtown last season, offering clear offensive production at a position the Knicks have a clear-cut deficiency.
The problem with Mann is that he is not a quality defender, playing with short arms and a lack of physicality. However, with Thibodeau as his coach, Mann can easily improve in that category, it will just take time. He has the potential to be a star at the NBA level, and it all depends on his coaching and how quickly you can ease in and adapt to the league.
21st overall: Isaiah Jackson
With the 21st overall pick, the Knicks need to add a bit more physicality to their frontcourt, and Isaiah Jackson out of Kentucky fits the bill nicely. At 6’10†and 205 pounds, Jackson is a superior athlete with a 7’0†wingspan. He is one of the best shot blockers in the entire draft, averaging 2.6 blocks and .8 steals per game as a freshman. Some compare him to Brooklyn Nets’ center Nicolas Claxton, who saw a tremendous improvement this past year.
There’s a lot to like about Jackson, given his athleticism and speed to cover plenty of ground on the defensive side of the ball. He could stand to use a bit more mass, but his agility allows him to cover multiple positions, including power forward and center.
Considering the fact this is a late first-round selection, there’s no doubt that Jackson comes with weaknesses. Still, as a developmental player with high upside, he represents a solution for the Knicks, who need more strength and physicality in the frontcourt.
32nd overall traded for a 2022 1st round pick
The Knicks simply can’t host three more rookies this upcoming season, especially with plenty of funds to allocate in free agency. Trading their second-round pick away for a 1st rounder next year would give them a bit more time and capital to work with.
What do you think of this mock draft? Comment below!Â