The New York Knicks find themselves in an odd, unfamiliar situation later this month: they actually have their draft pick. Not only that, they have a top-four draft pick, and with it, they could land a franchise-changing player.
The conventional line of thinking is that this player could be someone like D’Angelo Russell, Emannuel Mudiay or Justise Winslow. However, according to The Knicks Blog, the Knicks could luck into a player most think could go first or second overall: Jahlil Okafor.
“…one Western Conference executive tells TheKnicksBlog.com and SNY.tv that they believe Duke’s Jahlil Okafor will fall to the Knicks at fourth overall.”
This isn’t all that unlikely of a scenario. The Timberwolves would likely draft Karl-Anthony Towns first, the Los Angeles Lakers would pick Mudiay or Russell, and the Philadelphia 76ers would take whomever was left of that pair. That leaves Okafor ready and waiting for the Knicks.
Winslow or any of the other aforementioned prospects would be a great get for the Knicks, but Okafor would likely be a dream for the downtrodden franchise. While he has his share of concerns, such as his defense and conditioning, his offensive versatility and footwork in the post is so advanced for his age – indeed, for any age – that he’ll be a force down low for years to come.
