We put out our first Knicks mock draft last week, and as we enter October, here is a thumbnail look at some of the players the Knicks will be considering with the No. 8 pick. As the Knicks get closer to the draft, there will be more time to take a deeper look at all of these players as Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau decide who they want to add to their young roster.
I did not include Lamelo Ball or Anthony Edwards, since it is extremely unlikely either will be on the board for the Knicks when they select.
Deni Avdija: Forward, 6’9, 215 pounds, Israel
My Full Profile: https://www.audacy.com/wfan/articles/2020-knicks-nba-draft-profile-deni-avdija
Strengths: Size to play power forward but skill and playmaking ability of a guard, high basketball IQ, excellent passer, three-point shot potential
Weaknesses: Lacks elite athleticism for a wing, career 58 percent free throw shooter, Israeli league is not great competition, right hand dominant, one-on-one defense
Player Comp: Joe Ingles
Conclusion: Has potential to be a versatile, play-making stretch four if he can get strong enough to rebound the position. His poor free throw shooting in a large sample is a bright red flashing light, warning about whether his shot will ever come around. It would be very surprising if he was available when the Knicks pick at No. 8.
Obi Toppin: Power Forward/Center, 6’9, 220 pounds, Dayton
Strengths: Extremely polished offensive player, can stretch to three-point line, excellent finisher, good passer, effective roll man in pick-and-roll
Weaknesses: Poor defender, lacks twitch and change of direction ability, older prospect (22)
Player Comp: Amar’e Stoudemire
Conclusion: Toppin is extremely polished offensively and he will be an efficient NBA scorer, but will his defense be so bad it negates whatever points he helps teams put on the board? Likely.
Killian Hayes: Point guard, 6’5, 192 pounds, France
My full profile: https://www.audacy.com/wfan/blogs/john-schmeelk/new-york-knicks-nba-draft-prospect-profile-killian-hayes
Strengths: Good size, unselfish, high IQ, can make all the passes, good shooter off the dribble and from free throw line, good finisher, strong defender
Weaknesses: Turnover prone, no right hand, lack of elite athleticism raises questions as to whether finishing will translate to NBA, poor three-point shooting numbers, not quick enough to win one-on-one
Player Comp: Malcolm Brogdon
Conclusion: Hayes is only 19 and will take time to be an effective NBA point guard, but his combination of size, smarts, passing ability, and a developing shot gives him a chance to be a potential future starter in the league.
Tyrese Haliburton: Point Guard, 6’5, 175 pounds, Iowa State
Strengths: Excellent floor vision, great passer, very unselfish, very smart, great spot-up shooter, versatile off-ball defender, long
Weaknesses: Will turn 21 in February, lacks athleticism and strength, struggles to shoot off the dribble, can’t drive all the way to the rim, limited on-ball defender due to physical limitations
Player Comp: None
Conclusion: No, I’m not selling out on picking a player comp, but there are no point guards in the NBA with his deficiencies, which is why I think he eventually winds up as an excellent off-ball guard, a “glue-guy” type player that defends, moves the ball, and hits the open shot.
Isaac Okoro: Wing, 6’6, 225 pounds, Auburn
Strengths: NBA frame, body and athleticism, smart player, good finisher, good passer, excellent defender, excels as a cutter, team player
Weaknesses: Jump shot may be broken, lacks ability to score one-on-one, does not have elite burst or acceleration
Player Comp: Justise Winslow
Conclusion: Okoro is going to be a useful NBA player, but how useful he becomes will depend on how his jump shot and overall offensive game comes around. If it does, he can be a two-way All-Star wing. If it doesn’t, he will be nothing more than a role player.
Devin Vassell: Wing, 6’6, 180 pounds, Florida State
Strengths: Elite-level on-ball and off-ball defender, good three-point shooter, good spot-up shooter, improving jumper off the dribble, hustle player, good cutter
Weaknesses: Lacks ability to drive to the basket off the dribble and finish, not a one-on-one scorer or someone to run an offense through
Player Comp: Khris Middleton
Conclusion: There might not be a safer prospect with less bust potential in this draft. Vassell’s shooting and elite defense will make him a staple in the NBA for years. But does he have potential to be more? What’s the chance he reaches that ceiling? Those questions might get him to the Knicks at No. 8.
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