A look at seven players who could intrigue the Knicks following the results of Thursday’s NBA draft lottery:
There is no greater risk-reward perspective in the concept. The electric 6-foot-7 player has the athletic talent to become an All-Star and discriminator in a design they do not miss. However, he has been a poor 3-point shooter – not unlike his brother Lonzo – and his defensive intensity was suspected in Australia. Plus, an unlucky Lavar ball can tear a franchise apart. Knicks president Leon Rose is all about upside and star power. Rose previously represented the Ball Brothers.
If the Knicks move up in the top three and can’t get a Ball, the Georgia shooting guard has appealed as another risk-reward potential star. He has a great body and elite athletics, but struggles with his shot outside (40.6 field goal percentage). He is a raw freight train who can express himself in an uptempo system and is a great runner. Edwards’ fit with perimeter-shooting-challenged RJ Barrett is not perfect.
Despite a poor freshman season in North Carolina, the New York product has the potential to be a breakout that is scoring points and would hold an opportunity to adapt for the home team. Greg Anthony’s son would become the face of the franchise, but scouts are divided over the question of whether he can ever be a real point guard.
If Rose is as fanatical about setting up a point guard as predecessor Steve Mills, Haliburton of Iowa State will be considered. He controls a lot of boxes – a solid 3-point shooter with high basketball IQ and size – but is not explosive.
Potentially the first Israeli lottery, he is a two-way forward who can pass, defend and shoot from the outside, but at 19 can face a major learning curve, despite being a standout at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The Knicks have already ‘Zoomed’ ‘with the German League standout that grew up in France, according to a French media outlet. The left-hander is originally from the US but can speak French with Frank Ntilikina. The 19-year-old is a project, but creative with good vision – smooth in all areas.
The Kentucky Cambodian guard comes with a rave review in The Post of new assistant coach Kenny Payne. Despite being a bit too small, Maxey was able to convert into a scoring dynamo and a persistent defender. Could be the sleeper.
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