Knicks Add Frontcourt Duo in Latest Mock Draft
The New York Knicks will have choices to make with back-to-back picks in the first round of next month's NBA Draft.
The Knicks may not keep the picks, but if they do, they may look to add some frontcourt depth.
In the New York Post's latest mock draft, the Knicks select G League Ignite center Tyler Smith with the No. 24 pick.
"After a solid season ended in Game 7 of the conference semifinals, the Knicks know their path could be tougher next year. Will they use both of their consecutive first-rounders or trade them to bolster their roster with veterans? If they make this pick, the teenaged Smith is raw but eventually could develop down the road into a stretch big with a useful 7-1 wingspan," writes The New York Post.
Smith could spend another year in the G League, this time in Westchester with the Knicks. He would be a long-term project, but he could help the team out down the line.
With the No. 25 overall pick, the Knicks would take someone slightly more ready in Indiana's Kel'el Ware.
"With Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitch Robinson, the Knicks don’t have a desperate need at center. And they might deal one or even both of their back-to-back first-round picks," The New York Post writes. "But they can afford to take best available if they sit pat at No. 25, and Ware would be a good choice. His verticality, mobility and budding jumper have drawn comparisons with Dallas rookie Dereck Lively, who shot up draft boards last year."
It doesn't make a lot of sense for the Knicks to use both picks. In all likelihood, one or both of these picks will be dealt to get New York some more immediate help. However, there's a chance the Knicks won't be able to trade both picks, and these are two players who could help out New York if they are still on the board by the time they are on the clock.
JEREMY BRENER
Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.