After immense buildup to the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery, the New York Knicks were let down by having their team fall to No. 3 overall, despite having the worst record in the league in 2018-19.
Of course, that meant the Knicks could still nab one of the best talents in this draft with that pick, and that’s exactly what the team did by taking R.J. Barrett third after Zion Williamson and Ja Morant were off the board first and second, respectively.
After that, the Knicks did not make a selection again until pick No. 47, which they obtained via trade with the Sacramento Kings. Their target? Michigan wing Ignas Brazdeikis, who plays in a brash, hard-nosed style that should endear him to Knicks fans in a big way.
One year after the Knicks picked up an undrafted steal in the form of Allonzo Trier, the Knicks once again make a fairly low-key but smooth move to pick up a player that has a chance to be a fan favorite due to his confidence that occasionally borders on arrogance, and is likely to make the Knicks a fun team to watch on NBA League Pass (and in Summer League).
Brazdeikis had a few things to say about his style in a recent story by Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News:
“I’m a relentless player, I don’t fear anyone or anything. I don’t back down from anyone, either. I’m very confident in myself and my abilities as well. I go as hard as I can every single game. I do whatever it takes to help the team win. I’m aggressive. I feel like I know who I am as a basketball player.”
Sounds like a player that could become beloved in the Big Apple, no?
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