Mock Draft: New York Knicks Take Josh Hart Comparable
While the NBA postseason is still a few weeks off, the NCAA College Basketball tournaments are in full swing. Despite the tight races on the pro circuit, March Madness could have some looking ahead to the professional drafts.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman is among them, posting a full two-round NBA mock in anticipation of men's Sweet 16/Elite 8 action. With the 22nd pick in these projections, the New York Knicks take Kansas University guard/foward Kevin McCullar Jr., who warrants a comparison to current starter Josh Hart.
McCullar, formerly of Texas Tech, is coming off a strong year for the Jayhawks (10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds) but a knee injury kept him out of their brief Tournament run.
"The Jayhawks looked like a different team without (McCullar), which speaks to his impact and wide-ranging contributions getting Kansas into offense, finishing plays, making shots, and defending opponents' top wings," Wasserman said. "Scouts buy his versatility and defense for a supporting NBA role, though he'll have to avoid any medical report concerns predraft."
In this mock draft, the Knicks would take McCullar with their regularly scheduled first-round pick, one choice after they get G League Ignite prospect Tyler Smith via Dallas. Considering the fact that the team has a roster of well-established veterans and his recent injury history, McCullar would be a relatively high-profile project the Knicks could develop in peace rather than force him to make an immediate impact.
The 2024 NBA Draft will be held on June 26-27 in Brooklyn. New York has more immediate affairs to take care of as it'll face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Easter Sunday night (7 p.m. ET, MSG).
JONAH MORGAN