Outside of seeing their two young players, Kristaps Porzingis and Mindaugas Kuzminskas, performing well and staying in shape in the ongoing EuroBasket tournament, the New York Knicks also get to watch some other prospects that may be available in next year's draft.
That is exactly the case when Porzingis and Latvia play in the quarterfinals against 2018's potential number one pick Luka Doncic of Slovenia. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks are intrigued with the 18-year-old, as he fits their plans of building around young talent.
“In Latvia vs. Slovenia, the Knicks brass can view not only Porzingis but next year’s potential No. 1 pick, 6-7 forward Luka Doncic. Also on Slovenia is ex-Knick Anthony Randolph and point guard Goran Dragic. Doncic plays small forward/shooting guard, so he likely won’t match up with Porzingis.”
“That the Knicks scouts are eyeing Doncic is consequential. The Knicks’ new management team has stated in clear terms its goal this season is to develop young players, noting the team has all its first-round picks.”
Next year’s draft is expected to be heavily-stacked, and one scout has even said that there’s a potential to have up to seven players who are all deserving to become the first overall selection. That said, the Knicks are being projected to be a team winning less than 30 games by many, which means that they can get one of the top picks, making the potential addition of Doncic even more possible.
There's still a year to go before the next lottery and a lot more basketball to be played. The team’s future could drastically change depending on how they’ll fare next season. But for now, the Knicks will surely enjoy the quarterfinals match, which could also be a preview of the young talent they may have by next summer.
Follow Us
Subscribe