BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

7 Players The New York Knicks Might Target With Their Second-Round Draft Pick

This article is more than 4 years old.

With the third overall pick in this week's draft, it's widely, and wisely, assumed that the Knicks will select Duke freshman R.J. Barrett. That's assuming the Memphis Grizzlies take Murray State point guard Ja Morant at No. 2. If the Grizz opt for Barrett, then New York is expected to scoop up Morant.

Over the last few weeks and months, plenty of ink has spilled discussing and debating Barrett's pro prospects. By now, most Knicks fans have a pretty good idea of what to expect heading into next season from him. However, New York also has another selection to make in the 2019 draft. Unfortunately, they foolishly traded away their own second-round pick (31st overall), but the Knicks will be on the clock late in the second round, as they own the rights Houston's second-rounder, No. 55 overall.

Last year, the Knicks also had a lottery pick and another team's second-round selection. Remarkably, the player New York drafted in round two (No. 36 overall), Mitchell Robinson, ended up outperforming their first-rounder, Kevin Knox. Robinson was named to the 2018-19 NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He set new Knick rookie records for total blocks (161) and blocks per game (2.4). In addition, per Basketball-Reference, he also led all rookies in PER (Deandre Ayton ranked second), Box Plus/Minus (Luka Doncic was second)m Win Shares (Ayton was second) and True Shooting Percentage (Ayton was 2nd).

Furthermore, New York signed undrafted rookie Allonzo Trier as a free agent shortly after the draft ended. Trier went on to greatly exceed expectations during his debut campaign, averaging over 10 points and three rebounds per game while shooting nearly 45% from the floor. The Knicks eventually signed him to a two-year deal, and Trier is clearly part of the organization's plans going forward.

While it's obviously improbable that New York will find an unpolished diamond in the rough like Robinson with one of the final few picks in the draft, nabbing a player like Trier is a possibility. In addition, New York has $5.3 million in cash that it can use to purchase a pick on draft night. It's possible they combined the 55th pick and cash to jump up into the middle or early part of round two.

The potential value of second-round picks should not be ignored. Consider the importance second-rounders played for the Toronto Raptors during their recent title run. Starting shooting guard Danny Green was the 46th overall selection in the 2009 draft. Starting center Marc Gasol was the 48th pick in the 2007 draft. Fred VanVleet, who received an NBA Finals MVP vote, was undrafted.

So, who are some players the Knicks might consider when they are on the clock in round two, assuming they stay at No. 55 overall?

* Shamorie Ponds, PG, St. John's:

The Brooklyn-born Ponds is a bit undersized and a subpar defender, but he can light it up offensively. As a freshman at St. Johns, he scored 17.4 points per game and then bumped that up to 21.6 as a sophomore. He also chipped in 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.3 steals in 2017-18. Per Basketball-Reference, over the last 25 years, the only other underclassmen to average at least 20 points, five boards and four assists per game were James Harden (at Arizona State in 2008-09) and Markelle Fultz (at Washington in 2016-17). His scoring averaged dropped to 19.7 ppg last season, but he did shoot a career-high 45.3% from the floor. He projects as an offensive spark plug off the bench in the pros.

* Jontay Porter, C, Missouri:

In many ways, Porter, just 19 years old, fits the ideal profile of a late, second-round flier. He's an uber-talented big man, with a versatile and impressive skill set. Porter, the younger brother of Denver Nugget Michael Porter Jr., was projected as a first-round pick in the 2017 NBA draft after a stellar freshman season at Missouri. However, he decided to return to school and, unfortunately, tore both his ACL and MCL in a preseason scrimmage. Then, Porter re-tore his right ACL this past March. The talent is certainly not an issue, but the injury concerns are undeniable. With Porter, it's all about the medical, and each GM's appetite for risk vs. reward. Some teams may have him ranked in the 30's; other organizations will have him off their draft board completely.

* Jalen Lecque, G, Brewster Academy:

Lecque, who just celebrated is 19th birthday last week, is one of the more dynamic, explosive athletes in the entire draft. He wowed onlookers at the NBA combine, measuring in at over 6'4" with a 6'8" wingspan, and posted the combine's best max vertical leap (43.0 inches). However, his lack of NCAA experience is obviously a concern, as is his inefficient offensive game and unreliable jumper.

* Admiral Schofield, F, Tennessee:

In some ways, Schofield is the polar opposite of young, unproven prospects like Jontay Porter and Jalen Lecque. The 22-year old Schofield may not offer the same upside as some other names projected to land in the second round, but he's a proven performer on the NCAA-level and will look to contribute right away. Still, although, Schofield was able to physically dominate opponents on the collegiate level, that won't be the case in pros. A bit undersized at 6-foot-6, it's difficult to predict where he'll play in the NBA. However, he's established himself as a reliable 3-point shooter at Tennessee. Since the start of his sophomore season, Schofield has shot over 40% from 3-point territory (150-for-374).

* Naz Reid, C, LSU:

Reid has the body (6'10" and 240 pounds) and skill set that scouts search for; however, his motor has often been called into the question. He started his freshman season on fire, tallying 46 points and 13 rebounds over his first two collegiate contests but was frustratingly inconsistent for long stretches thereafter. Encouragingly, he played well for LSU in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. If Naz can bring the requisite intensity on a consistent basis, the athletically gifted big man should be able to make an impact on the next level.

* Jalen McDaniels, F, San Diego State:

McDaniels possesses a unique blend of size and athleticism. While his scoring average jumped up to 15.9 points as a sophomore last season, his FG percentage dropped from 58.6% down to 46.6%. His rebound and block rates also dipped, compared to his freshman campaign. At 6-foot-10 and less than 200 pounds, scouts are understandably worried if his body will be able to endure the physical pounding that comes with playing the NBA. In addition, although he floats around the perimeter, he's been an inconsistent long-range shooter. During his two seasons at San Diego State, he shot below 30% from 3-point territory.

* Tacko Fall, C, UCF:

The Knicks have worked out Fall and reportedly are intrigued by the gigantic center. At the combine, he posted the highest marks ever for wingspan (8 feet, 2.25 inches), standing reach (10 feet, 2.5 inches) and height with shoes (7 feet, 7 inches). Yes, he'll be able to rebound and protect the paint (he averaged 4.2 blocks per 40-minutes over his collegiate career), but he's still extremely raw offensively. Last season, he shot just 36.2% from the free-throw line. Furthermore, with NBA teams relying more and more on 1-5 pick-and-rolls at the top of the key, it's hard to imagine Fall not getting exploited in space on a nightly basis.  

Follow me on TwitterSend me a secure tip