NBA Draft 2020: Who should the New York Knicks Pick?

The New York Knicks must be cursing their luck. After another disappointing season, they failed to get the number one overall draft pick yet again. The Minnesota Timberwolves got that distinct honor for the second time in 5 years.

After falling to the 4th pick in last year’s draft, they’ve fallen even further with the 8th pick this time around. The 2020 draft class is light, not nearly as star-studded as the previous year’s class. But there are still good picks to be had.

The Knicks could make a pick that will stabilize the franchise ahead of the 2021 free agency period, one which they have been waiting for since the end of 2019.

Here is who the New York Knicks should pick if they get the chance with the number 8 and 27 picks they have.

Honorable Mention- Any projected Top-5 pick for the New York Knicks

If anyone out of LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards, Deni Avdija, or Onyeka Okongwu miraculously fall out of the Top-5, the Knicks should do everything in their power to draft them. But this is unlikely to happen, given the talent that they bring to the table.

Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton is being considered a sleeper pick in this year’s draft. At 6’5, the point guard from Iowa State has the potential to be a surprise star in the NBA.

In his sophomore college season, he averaged close to 15 points and 6 assists. Haliburton is also a good option off the ball, making him an asset to the New York Knicks.

The Knicks would like to keep R.J Barrett as the primary ball-handler of the team. Haliburton is a point guard who doesn’t need the ball in his hands at all times but can do well with it, anyway.

His slender frame and lack of overt strength may be a concern for New York. Adding another physically unimposing player to a team that struggles defensively may not be the brightest plan going forward.

Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey is currently ranked #15 in the ESPN overall draft rankings. Much like Haliburton, Maxey is a versatile guard who is comfortable playing off the ball as well. Maxey is described as a scorer who can score from any part of the court.

In his only year at Kentucky, Maxey averaged close to 14 points and 3 assists. For the Knicks, they would be smart to take Maxey with their 27th pick in the first round.

Maxey’s weaknesses such as his streaky shooting from beyond the arc and his limited athleticism could see him fall down the order in the draft.

If he is still around by the time the Knicks make their second pick in the round, they should take him. Maxey is a risk but offers tremendous upside if developed right.

Low Stakes Ordeal for New York Knicks

The New York Knicks will not be too concerned with how this draft goes. While they do have 2 first-round picks, this is a relatively hollow draft class.

The Knicks can get a handful of decent options for their team, or use the picks they have to trade up into the Top-5. The Knicks will also make picks keeping next year’s free agency in mind, and how these players may link up with the ones that they bring in.