New York Knicks NBA Mock Draft Roundup
Leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft, we will update our New York Knicks Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New York Knicks from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Knicks:
CBS Sports - David Cobb (5/20)
11. Nikola Jovic, F, Mega Basket
Of the international prospects in this class, Jovic seems like the safest bet. He's already adept at scoring from all three levels and shows signs of the defensive competency you'd hope for with an offensively gifted forward.
The Stadium - Jeff Goodman (5/20)
11. TyTy Washington, G, Kentucky
Washington was solid as a freshman, but didn't quite live up to the hype -- but part of it was because he didn't have the ball in his hands as much due to the presence of pass-first Kentucky point guard Sahvir Wheeler. Washington has a high IQ, and is a true combo guard. The Knicks need a point guard of the future and Washington can fill that role.
CBS Sports - Gary Parrish (5/18)
11. Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor
Sochan is the rare sub-100 high school recruit who could be a one-and-done lottery pick. His ability to guard multiple positions in multiple ways is among the reasons he's a tantalizing prospect who is one of the most versatile players available in this draft.
Bleacher Report - Jonathan Wasserman (5/18)
11. Dyson Daniels, G/F, G League Ignite
Versatility specialist may be the most fitting label for Daniels, who played different roles and guarded four positions for the Ignite. He's a 6'8" ball-hander with terrific defensive tools and instincts, and the Knicks could use him in different ways: to facilitate from the point; score off the ball; and operate from the post as a guard, wing or forward.
SI - Jeremy Woo (5/18)
11. A.J. Griffin, F, Duke
Griffin remains a somewhat polarizing prospect for teams: he is an outstanding jump shooter, but left something to be desired from an athletic standpoint this season, and front offices are cognizant of his injury history. If he can get back to the type of explosive athlete he was early in his high school career, there's certainly some added upside here, and the fact he's one of the youngest players in the draft helps his case. It may take him longer than some lottery picks to contribute, but he should appeal to teams in this part of the draft searching for value. The Knicks are entering an important offseason and might prefer someone closer to giving them minutes next season, but adding a young shooter of Griffin's caliber might be too tempting here.
CBS Sports - Kyle Boone (5/18)
11. Bennedict Mathurin, SG, Arizona
New York was 10th in its conference in 3-point shooting percentage this season, so Mathurin's an obvious gap-filler here in a great range. He shot 37% from the 3-point line as a sophomore with Arizona this season and has a quick, easily-projectable outside shot that will make him a valuable role-player for years to come.
SB Nation - Ricky O'Donnell (5/17)
11. Dyson Daniels, G/F, G League Ignite
Daniels was the most impressive draft-eligible player on this year's G League Ignite as the program's first-ever international recruit coming over from Australia. A 6'8, 200-pound wing with a 6'11 wingspan, Daniels is the consummate role player who will earn playing time with his defense and add offensive value with his passing and ball handling. He is a tenacious point-of-attack defender with quick feet and active hands who can cut off driving lanes, get over screens, and force takeaways in a variety of different situations. On offense, Daniels fits the 'connector' mold: he's a quick ball mover on the perimeter who can also bend the defense with his driving. He's a good enough passer to be a secondary playmaker in most lineups. There is one notable weakness for Daniels at this stage, and that's his outside shooting. He made just 30 percent of his threes on the year, but he did get better as the season went along. Daniels will carve out a role as a perimeter stopper on defense, and if his jump shot improves, he could become the type of versatile ball handling wing teams crave.
ESPN - Jonathan Givony (5/17)
11. Bennedict Mathurin, SG, Arizona
The Knicks had a difficult season offensively, ranking last in 2-point percentage and second to last in assist rate. This pick won't solve all their issues, but adding an All-American wing like Mathurin, who is an outstanding perimeter shooter and looks ready to contribute immediately, could make sense, as he can play either wing spot alongside RJ Barrett and has plenty of upside to grow into at just 19 years old.
The Athletic - Sam Vecenie (5/17)
11. Jalen Duren, C, Memphis
Duren is your typical rim-running, shot-blocking center at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan. He physically looks like an NBA player despite being the youngest player slotted in this mock draft, with a chiseled, 245-pound frame. He ended up averaging 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game this year and shot 60 percent from the field, with most of his finishes being dunks. That was despite the fact that he didn't have a point guard who could offer much help setting him up until late in the year.
I'm not a total buyer in Duren's switchability defensively, but there are some scouts within the league who think he has a chance to provide value there too. Ultimately, I see him as a DeAndre Jordan starter kit. Can Duren get as good as Jordan was positionally in his prime? That'll be the key to him becoming a top-10 center in the league.
The Ringer - Kevin O'Connor (5/16)
11. Jalen Duren, C, Memphis
Mitchell Robinson is a free agent. Julius Randle needs to go. Nerlens Noel can't stay healthy. Adding another big seems like a realistic choice for the Knicks. Duren can pressure the rim with his elite athleticism, which could be beneficial for guys like RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin. Though targeting one of the main playmakers available could also make sense for the Knicks, I see them acquiring one via trade or free agency this summer. Drafting a young big would give them an immediate contributor on a cost-effective deal. It just so happens that Duren is one of the draft's youngest players, so he would also provide long-term upside to a young team still finding its identity.
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