2018 NBA Draft: Chaires’s New York Knicks Mock Draft 1.0
Who could the New York Knicks target in the 2018 NBA Draft?
The New York Knicks have two picks in the 2018 NBA Draft. Often in these mock drafts, people get away from the simple answer of positional need especially when the team literally tells you what they are targeting. I’m man enough to say it; I selfishly wanted the Knicks to have a chance to draft a center in Deandre Ayton. However, with the top three teams in the NBA Draft now set, the Knicks have a chance to make a small move up or maybe even stand pat to get an outstanding player.
Round 1, Pick 9 – F Michael Porter Jr., Missouri, Freshman
Height: 6’10 | Weight: 215 | Age: 19
Stats (2016 U18 FIBA Americas): 15.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.4 APG
The rumor going around is that every team knows how talented Michael Porter Jr. is. However, at his size, with his playing style at power/small forward, his back surgery is scaring a few teams away, especially with so many talented frontcourt players coming out who played and showed their skillsets throughout the college season.
The New York Knicks may luck out and he may slide to the No. 9 spot. If someone like the Bulls select him at No. 7, the Knicks could look to acquire Porter Jr. on draft day, trading the No. 9 pick and Damyean Dotson, the young two guard who drew enough attention to be considered a future prospect for many teams.
What does Porter Jr. bring to the table?
Michael Porter Jr. has obvious scoring talent that everyone has known about since he was in high school. What he brings to the table for the Knicks is positional flexibility. David Fizdale will design his defense based on his players and laziness will not be accepted. With Porter Jr. and the size he possesses, he can guard multiple positions and switch seamlessly between all three frontcourt spots ala Kevin Durant and the Warriors’ current style of play.
That sort of positional value, with Frank Ntilikina guarding the perimeter and the shot blocking Kristaps Porzingis hopefully back healthy soon, makes for a solid defense with the Knicks’ future in mind.