The New York Knicks surprised everyone this season. They finished second in the Eastern Conference and could have advanced even farther than the second-round if not for a series of injuries. Still, the Knicks can view the season as a success. And there is a fairly obvious path to continue improving.
New York possesses the No. 24 and No. 25 picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. And while rumors have begun to circulate about their willingness to trade one or both of the picks, they must prepare to make both picks, just in case.
The Knicks finished with the sixth-best record in the NBA, which netted them the 25th pick. They also own the Dallas Mavericks’ first-round pick from the 2019 trade that sent out Kristaps Porzingis (24th overall). And while the 2024 draft is perceived to be weaker than recent drafts for various reasons, there are always contributors to be had.
The thing about contributors is that they are always in demand. That is especially the case when two of your key rotation players are set to enter unrestricted free agency (Isaiah Hartenstein and OG Anunoby). While most people around the Knicks believe Anunoby will return, the jury is out on Hartenstein. The Knicks can’t offer as much as other teams due to a hiccup in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
With all that in mind, let’s jump into what New York should do with its 2024 NBA Draft picks, assuming they make both.
Dayton's DaRon Holmes II gives the Knicks some size
Being hesitant about drafting another guy from Dayton after the lack of success with Obi Toppin is a fair reaction. But let the idea of DaRon Holmes sink in. He’s a versatile big man who can stretch the defense, he shot 38% on three-pointer last season and he still serves as a strong lob threat and rim defender.
He’s not a natural big man (as he’s only six-foot-ten), but the NBA doesn’t require that type of player anymore. Case in point, you’ll regularly see rotations where the tallest guy on the floor is shorter than six-foot-ten. Holmes has the potential to grow into a regular rotation piece. And he can most certainly give spot minutes behind Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa if Hartenstein moves on.
For what it’s worth, the Knicks should absolutely select Zach Edey (Purdue) if he’s available. It’s unlikely that the Naismith Player of the Year slips this far, but it could happen. If he does, he’s the pick to make.
If Eddy and Holmes are both off the board, Kyle Flipowski (Duke) should receive serious consideration. The thing is, only one of these three centers should be brought in. The Knicks do not need to onboard two centers from the same rookie class.
Rob Dillingham goes from Kentucky to Knicks
There are a few wings whom the Knicks are allegedly considering with these picks. But the smarter move is probably back-filling the point guard position, given that they might need to move Miles McBride as part of a larger trade package. If that’s their thinking, six-foot-two-inch Rob Dillingham should be the pick. He showed real star potential at Kentucky, demonstrating a unique ability to score and distribute the basketball.
But Dillingham is projected to be drafted as high as eighth overall in some mock drafts, so he may not be available. If that’s the case and the Knicks really want a point guard, they could consider Isaiah Collier (USC point guard) or Carlton Carrington (Pittsburgh, point guard). Both players offer utility. But the Knicks could see draft-and-stash point guard Rokutis Jokubaitis join the team this season. And if he proves to be valuable, they might not need another point guard,
With that in mind, the Knicks might explore drafting Johnny Furphy (Kansas, shooting guard). Furphy is an an athlete with considerable upside and shooting prowess. He is a bit of a longer-term project; but with back-to-back picks in the first-round, using one on someone with bigger long-term potential could be appealing.
The Knicks are dangerously close to becoming a perennial contender. They have most pieces in place, assuming Anunoby re-signs. If they can successfully navigate the remaining moving pieces (e.g., Hartenstein) and add another weapon, they could realistically compete for a championship next season. Although, there’s always a chance that they blow it up to chase another superstar (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Stay tuned, Knicks’ fans.
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