The New York Knicks are arguably the worst organization in NBA basketball. It is a team always full of turmoil and dissent. There is constant turnover in the front office and a new coach each season. Despite this, it is the most valuable NBA organization in terms of net worth.
Knicks fans have not seen a true New York Knicks contending team since the days of Patrick Ewing and Jeff Van Gundy. There was a brief period when the Carmelo Knicks were good again but then came the Phil Jackson era. Kristaps Porzingis brought hope before the Knicks managed to drive him away also. The Knicks are desperately looking for a star presence to drive them out of this rut. Their best way to get this star is either by developing RJ Barrett or the 2020 NBA Draft. Here are the three best draft prospects for the Knicks.
Highest Upside Prospect: Deni Avdija
Avdija is not among the top 3 rookies for most experts. But he arguably has the potential to be the best player in this draft in terms of the overall impact on the floor. Avdija has the highest IQ among other rookies and has played high-level competition before. He is an above-average playmaker who can create easy looks. Moreover, he is a strong finisher near the basket and is a plus-defender already.
His long ball is poor right now but his stroke suggests he is a better shooter than the numbers suggest. Avdija could slide in well next to Robinson, Barrett, and Smith Jr. and could arguably become the glue guy the Knicks desperately need. His playmaking will allow Barrett and Smith to be more efficient.
Sleeper Prospect: Aaron Nesmith
The Knicks lack a proper wing right now. Kevin Knox could theoretically fill that need but he has a long way to go before he is an average NBA player. The Knicks are also terrible in terms of shooting. Aaron Nesmith could be the sleeper they need. It is arguable the team already has two cornerstones in Barrett and Robinson. They need the right cast around them to dominate.
Nesmith is an elite shooter and can knock down from any part of the court. He also fits the profile of a 3-and-D player who could open up the floor for Barrett much more. Barrett could then be much more efficient and lead the Knicks to contention again.
Best Overall Fit: Lamelo Ball
Lamelo Ball is the best playmaker in the draft, and along with Avdija, has high basketball IQ. It is easy to imagine Ball piling up assists setting up Robinson and Barrett for easy buckets while eventually developing into a scoring threat himself. Importantly, however, Lamelo Ball carries the star attraction that the New York Knicks sorely lack.
