BREAKING: Prospective NBA Draft selections for the Knicks in 2024
The other teams that are already on vacation can now focus on the 2024 NBA Draft as the NBA postseason goes on.
This year, Victor Wembanyama is not expected to emerge as the league’s next star, and numerous scouts have expressed that prospects-wise, this is a “down year.” This is not to say that there aren’t any undiscovered gems that could be the difference-maker for a franchise or a generational talent that was snagged late in the first round.
The New York Knicks have two first-round picks in the second half of the first round, and how they use them will determine the team’s future course.
The Knicks might explore a wide range of options with their pick at number 25 and the Dallas Mavericks’ pick at number 24. The Knicks select a frontcourt player in most mock drafts; however, it is unclear who will be available that late in the first round.
When it comes to collegiate talent who can have an instant effect on the front court, Zach Edey is the first name that springs to mind. In some mocks, Edey makes it as high as 14, but in others, he loses to the Knicks at the age of 24. Edey would be a high ceiling draft pick, someone you would swing for the fences. The former big man for Purdue University caused a stir at the combine and seems to be improving as a three-point shooter. Give him enough time to hone his skills, and New York will find him to be a highly desirable target.
The only criticism of Edey is his age; the 22-year-old Canadian attended college for four years. Although it’s not a deal breaker, Edey’s age might push teams away if he needs a few seasons in the G League to polish his talents. Stretch big man Tyler Smith of G League Ignite is just 19 years old, if that’s a younger player the Knicks are searching for. Smith shot 47.6% from the field and averaged over 13 points per game while playing for the G League developing squad, forgoing college.
If Edey is taken off the board sooner than anticipated, Indiana’s Kel’el Ware might be another target for New York if it wants to continue with college talent. With an average of 15.9 points per game, Ware led the Hoosiers in scoring. In two encounters where Ware and Edey faced off head-to-head, Edey won both by double digits.
A club like New York would usually try to bolster a contender for a title by using its first-round choices in a trade or other assets. But given the negative perception around the draft and the fact that picks aren’t worth as much as they usually are, this year might be different. In light of that, the Knicks’ best option might be to spend money on a young, talented player who has the potential to contribute to the team’s long-term success. The Knicks might win the championship if they go all in.
