The New York Knicks are looking to revamp their roster for next season. They’ll enter the 2020 NBA draft with 2 first-round picks, and currently have the 6th best odds to claim the #1 pick in the draft. While the internet is already filled with photoshopped images of Lamelo Ball in Knicks jerseys, the team should be more focused on the most realistic scenarios: Picking somewhere in the 5-8 range.
There is no Zion Williamson in this year’s draft. However, the top 3 prospects on most boards are Lamelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman, all of whom have plenty of star potential. Killian Hayes is another name that has begun to skyrocket up draft boards. If the Knicks have their eyes set one of the top prospects, why wouldn’t they entertain trading up for one?
They have the assets.
On top of their own draft picks, the Knicks have the Clippers’ first-round pick in 2020, the Mavericks’ first-round pick in 2021 and their protected first in 2023, along with probable high second-round picks from the Hornets and Pistons in 2021.
There are still talented players who could fill out the rest of the draft lottery. Names like Tyrese Haliburton and Cole Anthony will certainly be linked to teams picking in the 4-8 range.
If the New York Knicks fall in love with Lamelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, or even Killian Hayes, they should be more willing to part with one of their future draft picks, and potentially attach one of their young players not named RJ Barrett or Mitchell Robinson. Leon Rose has plans to completely makeover the Knicks, and it could include making power moves to acquire talent.