The 2024 NBA Draft is approaching and possibilities abound for the New York Knicks.
The Knicks own the 24th and 25th picks in the first round of this year’s draft. And while the Knicks are reportedly exploring trades with those picks, it’s possible that they just keep them and use them to fill out their depth.
A new mock draft from ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo has the Knicks using those picks to take a center and a point guard.
The mock draft has the Knicks taking Baylor center Yves Missi with the 24th pick. Woo writes that Missi has an intriguing physical profile at 6-foot-11, 230 lb and could be insurance in case Knicks center Isaiah Hartestein leaves in free agency.
With the 25th pick, ESPN projects the Knicks to take Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek. Woo writes that Kolek has “experience, playmaking savvy and intense competitiveness” that could earn him backup minutes under Tom Thibodeau. Woo notes that Kolek is not much of a defender or athlete, but plays hard, regardless.
Both players could be useful for the Knicks. If the Knicks re-sign Hartenstein, they figure to have a lot of depth at center, with Mitchell Robinson still on the roster and a team option for Jericho Sims. However, both Hartenstein and Robinson experienced injuries in the 2023-24 season, so having more bodies could be important.
Backup point guard remains something of a hole for the Knicks. Miles McBride stepped up and had an incredibly productive season off the bench after the Knicks traded Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby. However, McBride is more of a scorer and slasher and less of a natural playmaker. Though Kolek likely wouldn’t come in and immediately be able to command the second unit, he could develop into that role.
Other expert mock drafts had the Knicks taking players like Purdue center Zach Edey and Miami wing Kyshawn George.
There is still nearly a month until the draft, and things are likely to change quickly, especially for an active team like the Knicks.
Check out the full ESPN mock draft here >
