NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks Take Top G League Ignite Talent

Current holders of the 20th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks could look into one of the final prospects from G League Ignite.

Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Team Detlef forward Tyler Smith (11) of the G League | Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks are in the middle of a race to the postseason, but it's perhaps never too early to start thining about the NBA Draft.

While this year's class doesn't trigger as much excitement as last year's, there is still a chance for the Knicks to bring in some youthful talent to round out the roster. Despite several high-profile deals, the Knicks still hold their regularly scheduled 2024 first-round pick.

Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Team Detlef forward Tyler Smith (11) of the G League | Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report recently curated a mock draft in anticipation of upcoming regional semifinal/final action coming up on the college basketball docket. With the Knicks in the 20th slot, Wasserman has G League Ignite forward Tyler Smith heading to Manhattan.

"Scouts debate whether Tyler Smith is merely a spot-up shooter or a more versatile, inside-out scorer," Wasserman writes. "At 6-11", a convincing stroke and strong finishing tools should draw top-20 interest regardless, but he has fans around the league who'd take him earlier than mid-first round. The ability to catch, rise, and fire from anywhere in the half court could turn Smith into a more useful/dangerous scoring threat."

In 19 appearances during G League Ignite's final season, Smith is averaging 13.4 points and 5.0 rebounds. Smith is an extremely raw prospect and likely wouldn't get a whole lot of playing time with the NBA's Knicks if he were to get their call. Another year in the G League (this time with the Westchester Knicks) can groom him into a legitimate NBA prospect whether he lands in New York or elsewhere.

The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 26-27.