NBA draft 2024: Knicks prospects

In my previous post, I talked about the Knicks potentially trading up their two first-rounders to trade for the 2024 NBA draft. Since that doesn’t appear to be the direction the Knicks are taking (no indication from the front office), let’s take a look at the top prospects for the Knicks, offensively and defensively. The fact that the Knicks have back-to-back picks in the first round is an advantage. With the new rules in place, the Knicks should have a clear idea of ​​how to do things. Cover all loose ends and plan for the worst-case scenario.

NBA draft 2024: Knicks prospects

Knicks Free Agency Worst Case Scenario

The Knicks’ worst-case scenario is losing both OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein. While the loss of Hartenstein will be mitigated by the return of Mitchell Robinson, the loss of Anunoby will be brutal. If they ultimately lose him, the Knicks would trade Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett to six-month rentals. That wouldn’t bode well for the Knicks, as this year’s free agency class doesn’t feature many defensemen who can score third. KCP and Caleb Martin are the names that come to mind, and both are a huge downgrade from OG.

(All prospects mentioned are predicted to be picked in the High Teens – Mid 20’s in various mocks)

Knicks sets goals

Wings

Baylor Scheierman

If the Knicks want to create offense, not many guys in the draft have done that better than Baylor Scheierman. He averaged 18.5 points in college on 44.8/38.1/87.6 shooting. He is an elite 3-point shooter who can light it from anywhere. Scheierman is versatile on offense and would add another shot-maker while being a great catch-and-shoot guy. Yes, Baylor is one of the older players, but he could immediately become an impact player for the Knicks (Jaime Jaquez-esque).

According to multiple scouting reports, his biggest weakness is his defense. Scheierman lacks the foot speed to be a great defender and can be easily exploited on mismatches. He may not be able to keep up with fast players, and shifty guards will blow past him at will.

Ryan Dunn

Ryan Dunn, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. Many call him the best defender in this class. At 6-foot-1 and wingspan, he has the length and wingspan to guard 1-4. In college, Dunn averaged 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks per game! He’s an NBA-ready defender and has the athleticism and wingspan to handle guys all over the court. Dunn excels at securing defensive rebounds. His relentless energy and range make him a formidable presence on the glass, and it gives the Knicks another fantastic rebounder in addition to their centers and Josh Hart.

But Dunn falls short offensively. He shot just 20% from three-point land and less than 55% from the line. Both of these traits make him a late-game liability and will limit his impact on the floor. If he wants to make an impact for the Knicks, he needs to make a huge leap in both areas. Dunn gets hacked at the end of the games. However, Dunn excelled at the rim, shooting 67.9 percent on 131 attempts. He shows keen awareness when entering open spaces and uses his skills effectively to finish through contact.

Centers

Da Ron Holmes II

Daron Holmes II is one of the few big men in this draft who shot 38% from the three-point line. Offensively versatile, Holmes put up 20.4 points per game in Dayton. He can knock you off the bounce and grind defenses in the post. Holmes is a small-ball center that the Knicks can use in late-game situations because of his ability to knock down shots. He was a good passer in college and adds another creator to the Knicks offense.

But questions about Holmes’ play against tougher competition are a fact. The A-10 wasn’t a great conference last year (only two teams made it to the NCAAM March Madness), and there’s no telling how it will adjust. For Holmes to be good in the NBA, he needs to add weight to his frame. He struggled to get rebounds against centers and could be called back. Holmes’ biggest question mark is how he will adapt to the pace and shiftiness of the NBA. But those questions can only be answered after the draft, and he has the advantage of being able to contribute immediately.

Yves Missi

Yves Missi is the definition of a complementary piece. He has the potential to be a defensive anchor and is one of the best rim protectors in this draft. Missi is strong at finishing near the rim and will be a better offensive option than Mitchell Robinson. Missi is a solid rebounder. His athletic frame and massive wingspan will come in handy when battling the unicorns of this era. He can run both ends of the floor and shows excellent footwork, agility and remarkable fluidity for a 7-footer.

But Missi is limited offensively outside the paint. He didn’t get a 3 in college and isn’t a good passer. Missi is a conventional big; someone who gets the ball low and gets to work. Despite his agility, NBA guards will be able to beat him to the punch, and he’ll have to figure out how to deal with that.

Last word

This design is intriguing in the sense that no one has any idea who is going where. There are mock drafts everywhere, but if the Knicks can grab one of these guys and re-sign key free agents, they’ll be a legitimate contender in the East.