Knicks Take Chance on Polarizing Prospect in Latest Mock Draft

The New York Knicks head into the 2024 NBA Draft with two first-round selections as the team holds the 24th and 25th overall selections. After bowing out in the second round of the NBA playoffs due to a lack of depth, Leon Rose and the Knicks front office will likely look to add pieces that can fit into Tom Thibodeau's system at a cost-controlled price.

CBS Sports released their most recent mock draft on Tuesday with the Knicks taking one player that will be a very divisive draft prospect. Kyle Boone and Gary Parrish both had the New York Knicks selecting Purdue center Zach Edey with the 24th overall pick.

The Purdue big man is 7"4 and 300 pounds at the age of 22 after spending four seasons at Purdue. Edey leaves college as one of the most decorated players of all-time, twice winning the National Player of the Year award, as well as twice being named the best big man, best center, and a two-time first-team All-American. In his senior season, Edey averaged 25.2 points per game with 2.2 blocks and 12.2 rebounds per game.

The biggest concern NBA scouts have with Edey is that his game won't translate to the NBA when he's facing more skilled and physical big men. Teams will also be concerned with investing serious capital into a player of Edey's size as they're not sure if his body will hold up as they would with any player that tall.

The two journalists differed on where the Knicks would go with the 25th overall selection as Boone had the Knicks selecting Serbian small forward Nikola Djurisic while Parrish had the Knicks selecting Kentucky SF Justin Edwards.

The New York Knicks seemingly have first-round picks in every draft, however, Leon Rose has made it a tradition to trade back in the NBA Draft. The Knicks should certainly look to use their selections as the team will have three players eating up a large portion of the salary cap if they bring back OG Anunoby.

The Knicks could also look to package their selections for a player they view as the missing piece. They will once again be a team to watch in the NBA Draft especially with this class being seen as weaker than usual.

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