NBA Draft Mock 1.0: Early pre-lottery projections for all 30 teams
Real Madrid. Usman Garuba. player. 27. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. PF/C. 19
NBA Draft Mock 19th Pick: New York Knicks
Under Tom Thibodeau’s guidance and Julius Randle’s breakout year, the New York Knicks are starting to climb up in relevance. While their season ended after a disheartening first-round exit in the playoffs, the franchise is in the right track, though they need to add to their bag in order to keep their position as one of the most dangerous teams in the East.
The Knicks’ newfound defensive identity is sustainable and can still improve, especially with their personnel. For this upcoming draft, Usman Garuba can serve as another potent stopper in their already suffocating schemes on defense.
The young Spaniard is more of a bruiser at this point, but he has potential to grow more as an offensive asset. Ideally, he can slot in and take minutes away from the aging Taj Gibson, though it will be hard to crack Thibs’ rotation given his allergic reaction to rookies (Obi Toppin?).