Who do the latest mock drafts expect the Knicks to pick?
With the NCAA Tournament tipping off tomorrow (and New York's chances of landing in the lottery increasing by the day) - a look at the players projected to the Knicks in a bevy of recent mock drafts.
With the NCAA Tournament set to tip-off tomorrow (and the Knicks' chances of landing in the lottery increasing by the day), I thought it would be worthwhile to check out the latest mock drafts from reputable sites and see whom they project New York to select. I'll also include the comments/explanations from the corresponding analyst for each pick.
CBS Sports:
Knicks pick: Ochai Agbaj - Kansas - Senior - Wing
Per CBS analyst Kyle Boone: "Agbaji is one of the older prospects in our first round projections -- he'll be 22 by the draft -- but that shouldn't keep him from slipping outside the lottery. He's made a substantial leap this season as a junior into the No. 1 role for Kansas this season and has done so while still maintaining efficiency. His 41.1% hit rate from 3-point range should translate into him being a knockdown shooter in the NBA."
The Athletic:
Knicks pick: TyTy Washington - Kentucky - Freshman - Combo Guard
Per The Athletic's Sam Vecenie: "Washington is in such a fascinating position. In the two-month period from Nov. 16 to Jan. 15, there might not have been a better shot-creating freshman guard in the country. During that time, he displayed everything that had scouts excited, averaging 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 54 percent from the field, 43.4 percent from 3 and 83.4 percent from the line. He scored from all three levels at an exceptionally efficient level and even showcased a ton of passing ability in moments where he had to take over the lead responsibilities when Sahvir Wheeler was hurt. But he's gotten hurt a couple of times (in both the Auburn and Florida games), and it seems like he's struggling to get back to his best level. The key with Washington is that he processes basketball at such a high level, can shoot and can really pass. Some teams are worried about his athleticism, and in the biggest moments against the best teams, he's been hit or miss. But there is a lot to like here about Washington's game and his ability to translate to a lot of different situations as a scoring guard who can also facilitate next to a terrific bigger initiator."
ESPN:
Knicks pick: AJ Griffin - Duke - Freshman - Forward
Per ESPN's Mike Schmitz: "Griffin is one of the best shooters in college, converting 47% of his 3s while ranking third in catch-and-shoot efficiency among high-volume shooters at high-major programs. Griffin has the type of physical profile NBA teams covet on the perimeter at 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan. NBA teams will be closely monitoring whether the 18-year-old can put those tools to use on both ends of the floor, as he too often settles for perimeter jumpers and isn't nearly the type of versatile defender and rebounder his frame and length suggest he should be. After attempting just 2.3 free throws per 40 minutes in 34 games, Griffin -- who has looked like a potential top-five pick at times and at others a one-dimensional gunner -- must demonstrate he is more than just a standstill shooter and a willing, engaged defender."
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