A new NBA Mock Draft from a famous draft specialist forecasts the New York Knicks will utilize their first of two first-round picks in this month’s event on a top player from the legendary Duke Blue Devils program.
The Knicks hold two picks in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, numbered 24 and 25, respectively. While recent rumors imply the organization is attempting to sell both picks in a potential blockbuster trade, given the draft class’s weakness, they may have difficulty finding teams who perceive significant value in the picks. That is why they are likely to hold on to them and make both selections later in the month.
There are several options for the squad, but finding a competent backup point guard to help lead the second unit and give superstar Jalen Brunson more rest time will be a top priority. However, the organization may need to prepare for the possibility of a different big man in the middle in the coming years.
Center Isaiah Hartenstein, like brilliant 3-and-D player OG Anunoby, will enter free agency in a few weeks. It is not guaranteed that the team will be able to re-sign both, and Hartenstein may be offered a large contract this summer because he is widely regarded as the finest center available on the market this season. Furthermore, fellow center Mitchell Robinson has a long history of ailments, making it difficult to believe he would remain healthy as he ages.
That is why, in a new mock draft, Yahoo Sports NBA expert Krysten Peek predicts the New York Knicks will select Duke big man Kyle Filipowski with pick 24.
“Flipowski is well-known among NBA scouts and executives. His face-up game as a 7-footer is promising at the NBA level, but his defense guarding the switch and extending to the perimeter may cause some teams to pause in the lottery and mid-first round,” she wrote this week.
Filipowski’s defensive shortcomings could be a challenge for head coach Tom Thibodeau. However, his scoring potential would be a welcome change from the Knicks’ current centers. In addition, he is a good rebounder and passer, as well as a big man who can routinely shoot threes.
