Y’all somehow win the lotto, who do you go with and who would the Knicks FO go with?
Knicks FO is huge on foreigns, so Doncic seems like a obvious pick based on what they go for.
Ayton
Doncic
JJJ
Bagley
Bamba
A Blown Knee & Flat Tires-Another NY Pothole Year: 17-18 Knicks Season Thread
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New DX draft has the Knicks picking Trae Young at 9, here's the first 15 picks in their mock draft.
How is the NBA draft shaping up heading into the NCAA tournament?
Let's look at where the top prospects -- including Trae Young, Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Mohamed Bamba and Marvin Bagley III -- might land.
Our mock draft differs in two crucial ways from our recently updated top-100 prospect rankings. It uses ESPN's BPI to project the draft order, and it's adjusted for NBA team needs accordingly. It also attempts to project which players will ultimately end up declaring and keeping their names in the draft.
1. Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton
Arizona
Freshman
C
Height: 7-foot-0 | Weight: 243
Ayton is answering many of the questions scouts have had about him since high school with a string of dominant performances down the stretch. Physically, he's one of the most gifted prospects we've seen in the draft in the past few years, and he has an impressive skill-level to boot.
Phoenix, the worst defensive team in the NBA, will be right to question Ayton's impact on that end of the floor, but his sheer productivity makes it difficult to not slot him at the top of this class.
Starting salary: $8,095,680
2. Memphis Grizzlies
Luka Doncic
Real Madrid
Age: 19.0
PG
Height: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 228
After playing 80 games in the 2016-2017 season, Doncic went straight into preparation for the EuroBasket, which extended deep into September, giving him no offseason whatsoever. His body is paying the toll for that now, as he clearly hit a wall in the month of February and was recently shut down by Real Madrid for at least a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see if Doncic can regain his early season form heading into the EuroLeague and ACB playoffs, which will help him reestablish his candidacy for the No. 1 pick.
Starting salary: $7,243,440
3. Atlanta Hawks
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Michigan State
Freshman
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-11 | Weight: 240
The youngest prospect in the draft, Jackson may have the highest ceiling of anyone in this class in terms of his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. He has enviable physical tools, including a 7-4 wingspan and tremendous mobility. Jackson's ability to space the floor (40 percent from 3, 80 percent from the line), block shots (5.7 per 40 minutes), switch on every screen and, increasingly, put the ball on the floor from the perimeter make him an ideal fit for the modern NBA.
It's easy to see Jackson manning the center position for Atlanta or pairing with exciting rookie big man John Collins in an athletic frontcourt.
Starting salary: $6,504,600
4. Sacramento Kings
Marvin Bagley III
Duke
Freshman
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-11 | Weight: 234
Although there are some positional concerns regarding Bagley and his fit in the modern NBA, particularly on the defensive end, at some point his talent level and sheer production are likely too great to pass on.
The Kings are still figuring out just how good their young frontcourt prospects are and might not be in a situation to pass on a "best talent available" type due to positional considerations. Bagley's athleticism, motor, rebounding and finishing ability would complement their existing pieces nicely.
Starting salary: $5,864,640
5. Orlando Magic
Mohamed Bamba
Texas
Freshman
C
Height: 7-foot-0 | Weight: 207
Bamba is one of the most unique prospects in this class, with game-changing defensive potential to go along with a rapidly improving skill level that combined gives him significant long-term potential. Nagging injuries to his foot and toe have hampered Bamba somewhat recently, but every team in the NBA is looking for a big man who can anchor a defense. That includes the Magic, who have struggled badly on that end of the floor.
Although the Magic could very well be in the market for a point guard, there are still question marks about whether Trae Young or Collin Sexton are worthy of being picked this high.
Starting salary: $5,310,720
6. Chicago Bulls
Wendell Carter Jr.
Duke
Freshman
C
Height: 6-foot-10 | Weight: 263
Its Carter, not Bagley, who has been Duke's best big man in many key ACC games, leaving many scouts to wonder just how good he might look if he were utilized in more modern lineups with better floor spacing.
For the Bulls, Carter's ability to rebound, block shots and score from inside and out would complement the promising Lauri Markkanen well in many ways.
Starting salary: $4,823,520
7. Dallas Mavericks
Michael Porter Jr.
Missouri
Freshman
SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-10 | Weight: 214
Porter's stock has dropped this season. While spinal surgery set him back, teams have also come away from background checks questioning his commitment to winning and ability to fit into team schemes.
Starting salary: $4,403,280
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)
Collin Sexton
Alabama
Freshman
PG
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 183
While highly inconsistent over the course of the season -- partially due to injuries -- Sexton has shown enough flashes in the right areas to comfortably project him as a starting-caliber point guard, with plenty of upside. Fiercely competitive, Sexton is an aggressive downhill driver who has proven to be a pesky defender and capable shot-maker when operating at his best.
The Cavs have a great deal of uncertainty around their future due to the unknowns surrounding LeBron James' return, but Sexton is a fit here regardless of what James decides to do.
Starting salary: $4,033,800
Cleveland will receive Brooklyn's first-round pick unprotected.
9. New York Knicks
Trae Young
Oklahoma
Freshman
PG
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 176
Frank Ntilikina has had some nice rookie moments, but the Knicks are finding out that the long-armed, 6-foot-5 guard is seemingly better suited playing alongside a more dominant ball handler and shot creator who can take some of the scoring responsibilities off his shoulders.
Enter Young, who looks like a nice pairing with his ability to navigate pick-and-rolls, make shots off the dribble and find the open man with impressive creativity. Having the luxury of hiding him defensively will be a key to his early success.
Starting salary: $3,708,120
10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)
Mikal Bridges
Villanova
Junior
SF
Height: 6-foot-7 | Weight: 200
The Sixers are in line to draft in the top 10 due to the shrewd Michael Carter-Williams trade made by Sam Hinkie three years ago (as long as the pick is not second, third, fourth or fifth, in which case it goes to Boston).
Shooting, defensive versatility and basketball IQ are what the 76ers need to continue to add, and Bridges brings all of them along with the ability to guard 1 to 4. He isn't as gifted a shot-creator as you'd like from a top-10 pick, but if he's playing alongside the likes of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, he won't need to be.
Starting salary: $3,522,480
Philadelphia will receive L.A.'s pick if it lands at No. 1 or Nos. 6-30. Otherwise, the pick goes to Boston.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Miles Bridges
Michigan State
Sophomore
SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 226
Charlotte continues to search for long-term solutions at both forward positions, and will likely look to add athleticism to what has become a fairly disappointing roster.
Bridges is a freakish athlete who has struggled at times to make the full-time transition to small forward, but he undoubtedly has potential as a two-way forward who can guard all over the floor and give you enough shooting, ballhandling and passing to get by at one of the most important positions in today's NBA.
Starting salary: $3,346,560
12. LA Clippers (via Pistons)
Lonnie Walker IV
Miami
Freshman
SG
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 206
The Clippers could definitely use a jolt of energy on the wing, where they have cycled through countless options all season and are still in search of a long-term solution.
Walker hasn't had a consistent freshman season, but his talent, combined with the lack of depth at his position, has kept his name in the top-20 conversation. His youth, strong frame, 6-foot-10½ wingspan and ability to shoot with his feet set or off the dribble make him a candidate to rise during the pre-draft process as teams search for upside and diamonds in the rough.
Starting salary: $3,179,280
The Clippers will receive Detroit's pick if it falls outside the top four.
13. Denver Nugget
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kentucky
Freshman
PG/SG
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 171
The Nuggets are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA and will likely be looking to add multi-positional versatility to their backcourt, which has been inconsistent on that end of the floor.
Gilgeous-Alexander has the size, length, defensive prowess and unselfishness needed to operate as a role player alongside a variety of different types of guards. His offense has made significant strides as the year has moved on, helping him surprisingly emerge as arguably Kentucky's best top long-term prospect.
Starting salary: $3,020,280
14. LA Clippers
Robert Williams
Texas A&M
Sophomore
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-9 | Weight: 237
Williams has had a somewhat disappointing sophomore season, partially due to his playing out of position as a power forward in traditional dual-post player lineups.
His game is tailor-made for the NBA, though, as a rim-running, pick-and-roll-finishing, shot-blocker/offensive rebounder in the Clint Capela mold. With DeAndre Jordan in the final year of his contract and Blake Griffin headed to Detroit, the Clippers could certainly look to Williams as a potential successor.
Starting salary: $2,869,320
15. Phoenix Suns (via Bucks)
Kevin Knox
Kentucky
Freshman
SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-9 | Weight: 205
Sporting the worst defense in the NBA, the Suns will surely be looking to add more size, length, athleticism and versatility at every position.
Knox was inconsistent this season on that end of the floor, but as the second-youngest player in the draft, that's not all that surprising. His ability to stretch the floor, make plays in the open court and theoretically guard either forward spot is attractive in today's NBA.
Starting salary: $2,725,680
Phoenix will receive Milwaukee's pick if it lands in Nos. 11-16.
Let's look at where the top prospects -- including Trae Young, Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Mohamed Bamba and Marvin Bagley III -- might land.
Our mock draft differs in two crucial ways from our recently updated top-100 prospect rankings. It uses ESPN's BPI to project the draft order, and it's adjusted for NBA team needs accordingly. It also attempts to project which players will ultimately end up declaring and keeping their names in the draft.
1. Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton
Arizona
Freshman
C
Height: 7-foot-0 | Weight: 243
Ayton is answering many of the questions scouts have had about him since high school with a string of dominant performances down the stretch. Physically, he's one of the most gifted prospects we've seen in the draft in the past few years, and he has an impressive skill-level to boot.
Phoenix, the worst defensive team in the NBA, will be right to question Ayton's impact on that end of the floor, but his sheer productivity makes it difficult to not slot him at the top of this class.
Starting salary: $8,095,680
2. Memphis Grizzlies
Luka Doncic
Real Madrid
Age: 19.0
PG
Height: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 228
After playing 80 games in the 2016-2017 season, Doncic went straight into preparation for the EuroBasket, which extended deep into September, giving him no offseason whatsoever. His body is paying the toll for that now, as he clearly hit a wall in the month of February and was recently shut down by Real Madrid for at least a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see if Doncic can regain his early season form heading into the EuroLeague and ACB playoffs, which will help him reestablish his candidacy for the No. 1 pick.
Starting salary: $7,243,440
3. Atlanta Hawks
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Michigan State
Freshman
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-11 | Weight: 240
The youngest prospect in the draft, Jackson may have the highest ceiling of anyone in this class in terms of his ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. He has enviable physical tools, including a 7-4 wingspan and tremendous mobility. Jackson's ability to space the floor (40 percent from 3, 80 percent from the line), block shots (5.7 per 40 minutes), switch on every screen and, increasingly, put the ball on the floor from the perimeter make him an ideal fit for the modern NBA.
It's easy to see Jackson manning the center position for Atlanta or pairing with exciting rookie big man John Collins in an athletic frontcourt.
Starting salary: $6,504,600
4. Sacramento Kings
Marvin Bagley III
Duke
Freshman
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-11 | Weight: 234
Although there are some positional concerns regarding Bagley and his fit in the modern NBA, particularly on the defensive end, at some point his talent level and sheer production are likely too great to pass on.
The Kings are still figuring out just how good their young frontcourt prospects are and might not be in a situation to pass on a "best talent available" type due to positional considerations. Bagley's athleticism, motor, rebounding and finishing ability would complement their existing pieces nicely.
Starting salary: $5,864,640
5. Orlando Magic
Mohamed Bamba
Texas
Freshman
C
Height: 7-foot-0 | Weight: 207
Bamba is one of the most unique prospects in this class, with game-changing defensive potential to go along with a rapidly improving skill level that combined gives him significant long-term potential. Nagging injuries to his foot and toe have hampered Bamba somewhat recently, but every team in the NBA is looking for a big man who can anchor a defense. That includes the Magic, who have struggled badly on that end of the floor.
Although the Magic could very well be in the market for a point guard, there are still question marks about whether Trae Young or Collin Sexton are worthy of being picked this high.
Starting salary: $5,310,720
6. Chicago Bulls
Wendell Carter Jr.
Duke
Freshman
C
Height: 6-foot-10 | Weight: 263
Its Carter, not Bagley, who has been Duke's best big man in many key ACC games, leaving many scouts to wonder just how good he might look if he were utilized in more modern lineups with better floor spacing.
For the Bulls, Carter's ability to rebound, block shots and score from inside and out would complement the promising Lauri Markkanen well in many ways.
Starting salary: $4,823,520
7. Dallas Mavericks
Michael Porter Jr.
Missouri
Freshman
SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-10 | Weight: 214
Porter's stock has dropped this season. While spinal surgery set him back, teams have also come away from background checks questioning his commitment to winning and ability to fit into team schemes.
Starting salary: $4,403,280
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)
Collin Sexton
Alabama
Freshman
PG
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 183
While highly inconsistent over the course of the season -- partially due to injuries -- Sexton has shown enough flashes in the right areas to comfortably project him as a starting-caliber point guard, with plenty of upside. Fiercely competitive, Sexton is an aggressive downhill driver who has proven to be a pesky defender and capable shot-maker when operating at his best.
The Cavs have a great deal of uncertainty around their future due to the unknowns surrounding LeBron James' return, but Sexton is a fit here regardless of what James decides to do.
Starting salary: $4,033,800
Cleveland will receive Brooklyn's first-round pick unprotected.
9. New York Knicks
Trae Young
Oklahoma
Freshman
PG
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 176
Frank Ntilikina has had some nice rookie moments, but the Knicks are finding out that the long-armed, 6-foot-5 guard is seemingly better suited playing alongside a more dominant ball handler and shot creator who can take some of the scoring responsibilities off his shoulders.
Enter Young, who looks like a nice pairing with his ability to navigate pick-and-rolls, make shots off the dribble and find the open man with impressive creativity. Having the luxury of hiding him defensively will be a key to his early success.
Starting salary: $3,708,120
10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)
Mikal Bridges
Villanova
Junior
SF
Height: 6-foot-7 | Weight: 200
The Sixers are in line to draft in the top 10 due to the shrewd Michael Carter-Williams trade made by Sam Hinkie three years ago (as long as the pick is not second, third, fourth or fifth, in which case it goes to Boston).
Shooting, defensive versatility and basketball IQ are what the 76ers need to continue to add, and Bridges brings all of them along with the ability to guard 1 to 4. He isn't as gifted a shot-creator as you'd like from a top-10 pick, but if he's playing alongside the likes of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, he won't need to be.
Starting salary: $3,522,480
Philadelphia will receive L.A.'s pick if it lands at No. 1 or Nos. 6-30. Otherwise, the pick goes to Boston.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Miles Bridges
Michigan State
Sophomore
SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 226
Charlotte continues to search for long-term solutions at both forward positions, and will likely look to add athleticism to what has become a fairly disappointing roster.
Bridges is a freakish athlete who has struggled at times to make the full-time transition to small forward, but he undoubtedly has potential as a two-way forward who can guard all over the floor and give you enough shooting, ballhandling and passing to get by at one of the most important positions in today's NBA.
Starting salary: $3,346,560
12. LA Clippers (via Pistons)
Lonnie Walker IV
Miami
Freshman
SG
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 206
The Clippers could definitely use a jolt of energy on the wing, where they have cycled through countless options all season and are still in search of a long-term solution.
Walker hasn't had a consistent freshman season, but his talent, combined with the lack of depth at his position, has kept his name in the top-20 conversation. His youth, strong frame, 6-foot-10½ wingspan and ability to shoot with his feet set or off the dribble make him a candidate to rise during the pre-draft process as teams search for upside and diamonds in the rough.
Starting salary: $3,179,280
The Clippers will receive Detroit's pick if it falls outside the top four.
13. Denver Nugget
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kentucky
Freshman
PG/SG
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 171
The Nuggets are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA and will likely be looking to add multi-positional versatility to their backcourt, which has been inconsistent on that end of the floor.
Gilgeous-Alexander has the size, length, defensive prowess and unselfishness needed to operate as a role player alongside a variety of different types of guards. His offense has made significant strides as the year has moved on, helping him surprisingly emerge as arguably Kentucky's best top long-term prospect.
Starting salary: $3,020,280
14. LA Clippers
Robert Williams
Texas A&M
Sophomore
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-9 | Weight: 237
Williams has had a somewhat disappointing sophomore season, partially due to his playing out of position as a power forward in traditional dual-post player lineups.
His game is tailor-made for the NBA, though, as a rim-running, pick-and-roll-finishing, shot-blocker/offensive rebounder in the Clint Capela mold. With DeAndre Jordan in the final year of his contract and Blake Griffin headed to Detroit, the Clippers could certainly look to Williams as a potential successor.
Starting salary: $2,869,320
15. Phoenix Suns (via Bucks)
Kevin Knox
Kentucky
Freshman
SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-9 | Weight: 205
Sporting the worst defense in the NBA, the Suns will surely be looking to add more size, length, athleticism and versatility at every position.
Knox was inconsistent this season on that end of the floor, but as the second-youngest player in the draft, that's not all that surprising. His ability to stretch the floor, make plays in the open court and theoretically guard either forward spot is attractive in today's NBA.
Starting salary: $2,725,680
Phoenix will receive Milwaukee's pick if it lands in Nos. 11-16.
Youhadasparkwhenustarted
Superstar
Hamidou Diallo is the guy to draft with our second rounder, he was projected as late lottery pick a couple months ago, but he's slid pretty far back in projections lately. He's worth drafting just for the potential upside.
storyteller
Superstar
Not sure he'll make it to the second round but I see Keita Bates-Diop hella low on draft boards. I'd take a shot on him, especially if we went Sexton or Young with our high pick.
I'm not sold on Trae Young at all though; don't trust his frame, he's horrendous on defense and it's hard to tell how much his shot selection is the result of weak supporting cast versus just making bad choices. His vision and shooting are really impressive, there's an "go to" feel about him and he's exactly the type of prospect I tend to sleep on though. So I'm not the one to trust evaluating him, I see most heads with opinions I respect mixed on him to throw it in.
If we stay put and Mikal is there, that's my guy. The flexibility of Frank/Mikal/KP as a combo is too enticing to me. Mikal and Frank have that multi-positional defender quality and KP's shot blocking to go with floor stretching I think all three will provide long term. It's the ability to slot in so many different player types that sells me on it...it leaves a ton of room to make trades, picks or signings that could work; you can't pick which talents will be available to your franchise so having a core that can fit with as many skillsets as possible is something I'd really like.
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
Watching y’all get smacked in games ain’t fun anymore
ProlificLurker
Superstar
Wow, that was quick. Kind of makes up for the upcoming loss of Dotson for scraps.
Might also mean they won't be resigning Beasley, either.
Wargames
One Of The Last Real Ones To Do It
Honestly I am on that Mikal or Sexton train if we don't move up. Trae Young looks like he would be abused defending at the next level due to his size and he'll be abused driving in the league too.
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