The New York Knicks selected Argentinian shooting guard Leandro Bolmaro with the No. 23 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft – but ESPN’s Woj reports that the Knicks will deal the pick to Minnesota for the No. 25 and No. 33 overall picks, the first of which was actually made by the Oklahoma City Thunder (and was used on Kentucky guard Immanuel Quickley).
The selection was set to be the Knicks’ second of the first round, following Obi Toppin at No. 8, and was one they acquired earlier Wednesday by trading the No. 27 and No. 38 overall picks to Utah.
Bolmaro, 20, played for Manu Ginobili’s brother growing up in Argentina, and has played 98 games internationally in Argentina and Spain. Last season, he played for Barcelona in Liga ACB, Spain’s top league, and while he is a possible draft-and-stash, the deal to Minnesota may bring him in to play with Ricky Rubio.
“For me it’s like a dream. I can’t believe it,” Bolmaro told ESPN after being selected.
Quickley, 21, was the second Kentucky guard selected in the first round, following Tyrese Maxey. The sophomore averaged 16.1 points and 4.2 boards per game for the Wildcats, and was named SEC Player of the Year.
Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch