New York Knicks: Players to Draft in Worst-Case Lottery Scenario

Here are three players that could help the Knicks fill holes.

The Knicks may feel content with RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson, choosing to draft players that would fit well alongside them instead of trying to unearth a hidden gem.

Kira Lewis Jr.

Kira Lewis jr. enjoyed a solid second season, putting up 18.5 points and 5.2 assists per game on respectable shooting splits of 46/37/80. His biggest asset is his speed, blowing past defenders to get to the rim for easy finishes.

He’s a willing defender, averaging 1.8 steals per game while using his quick feet to stay in front of his assignment. It’s tough to determine whether his blazing speed will translate to the NBA or not, but he should still be a good contributor for any team.

The Knicks might value his blossoming shooting talent combined with his ability to break down defenses, selecting him at number nine.

Devin Vassell

Teams are always looking for the coveted 3&D prospect, which describes Devin Vassell perfectly. In his sophomore season with Florida State, the 19-year old made the jump from little-used bench player to starting shooting guard.

He shot 41.5% from three while also averaging 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, using his 6’10” wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and open up fast-break opportunities. He’s also an extremely athletic player, capable of finishing above the rim and throwing down huge dunks.

https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1284251285307482112

Vassell isn’t a skilled shot-creator, which lowers his superstar potential. However, this doesn’t minimize the impact that he can have on a game. A floor-spacing defender who can dunk with the best seems like a perfect fit in almost any lineup, including one that already showcases Barrett and Robinson.

Saddiq Bey

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After his impressive second season with Villanova, Saddiq Bey turned his attention to the NBA. Bey shot 45% from three on 5.6 attempts per game, using his extremely quick release to fire away shots from behind the arc.

His playmaking is extremely underappreciated, as Bey was a point guard in high school. This untapped playmaking potential is huge and is another reason why scouts are enamored with his potential.

His defense is also solid, but his athleticism leaves something to be desired and it often hinders his ability to fight for rebounds. He most likely won’t be a game-changing player, but his top-notch shooting and playmaking instincts help make him a low-risk selection.

The New York Knicks and their fans will certainly be upset if they fall to ninth in the NBA Draft, but there is still lots of talent available no matter which direction they choose in terms of their draft strategy.