The New York Knicks have been labeled as one of the most dysfunctional franchises for quite a while now. However, led by Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Knickerbockers could turn things around — especially if they can do wonders in the loaded 2018 NBA Draft.
Draft night is less than a week away, and names are starting to pop up within New York's radar. People have talked about Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr., but there's no sleeping on Lonnie Walker and Kevin Knox as well, according to ESPN's Ian Begley.
Earlier this month it was clear that Miami's Lonnie Walker had support among decision-makers in the Knicks' front office. That remains the case today, a few days from the draft, per sources. The Knicks worked Walker out individually earlier this week. Opposing executives believe Walker and Kentucky's Kevin Knox are among the players in the conversation for the Knicks, who pick ninth in the draft. Members of the organization were impressed by Knox's workout and some were also impressed by Walker's athleticism, defensive versatility and shot-making. Walker and Knox are probably among a bigger group of players being considered for the ninth pick. The Knicks also have workouts scheduled for next week that could impact their approach on Thursday.
Walker is a highlight machine out of Miami. The 6-foot-4 guard finished his freshman season for the Hurricanes with averages of 11.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. He has shown flashes of his defensive potential coupled with an explosive offensive ability.
Meanwhile, Knox is one of the youngest players in the draft but has already shown intriguing upside in his lone season at Kentucky. He's 6-foot-9 and gifted with a wingspan of just under seven feet. In 37 games, all starts, for the Wildcats, Knox produced 15.6 points and 5.4 rebounds nightly.
Both players project to fit in nicely alongside the Knicks' core of Porzingis, Hardaway Jr., and Frank Ntilkina.
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