The New York Knicks are in unfamiliar territory heading into the 2024 NBA Draft. They are dangerously close to becoming a legitimate title contender. Therefore, this year’s draft is of the upmost importance. And while New York has two first-round picks and one second-round pick, none are higher than 24th overall.
So, the Knicks will probably be open-minded regarding their picks. They have options. They could use all of their picks themselves, trade them, or use/trade a combination of them. But no matter what they do, the Knicks will probably exit the draft with some new personnel. So, with that in mind, let’s explore some last-minute Knicks draft predictions ahead of Wednesday night's first round.
Trade up using (at least) one first-round pick
This is an intuitive move. The Knicks are reportedly interested in Virginia’s Ryan Dunn. Dunn has been gaining steam ahead of the draft, meaning that New York might have to trade up into the teens (and possibly even the late lottery) to draft him. Dunn has been called the best defender in the draft. And at six-foot-eight (with a seven-foot-one wingspan), he can possibly grow into an OG Anunoby-like player. Sounds like someone worth adding, right?
But teams are coy around the draft, and they love to deploy smoke and mirrors. Even if the Knicks choose to pursue someone who they haven’t yet been associated with, they would be wise to trade up. After all, adding two (or three) unproven players is less than ideal, especially for a contender.
New York has plenty of assets to throw into a deal to potentially jump into the late-teens, and they don’t necessarily have to trade both 2024 first-rounders to do so. They could include the offer of the 24th or the 25th pick and the 38th pick.
Why would another team make that move? Well, every dollar counts. And lots of teams are facing the same financial reality as the Knicks (namely, trying to remain below the second apron). Furthermore, teams might not be as high on a specific player as New York is.
So, trading back a few picks and adding future assets might be amendable. And second-round picks are even more desirable beginning in 2024-25, as teams can now sign second-round draft picks to three or four-year deals that no longer count toward the mid-level exception (MLE), making hem all the more valuable.
Knicks could draft Jonathan Mogbo as Precious Achiuwa replacement
In the 11th hour, the Knicks have been connected to San Francisco’s Jonathan Mogbo. Mogbo is big man who is an “athletic marvel” and is adept at utilizing his mobility, motor, and strong ball handling, according to The Strickland.
If Mogbo’s skill set sounds familiar, that’s because it is. He exhibits many of the same skills as Precious Achiuwa. And while Achiuwa is far more proven, he is set to enter restricted free agency. And while the Knicks own Achiuwa’s Full Bird Rights, they are cognizant of the financial implications of over-committing financial resources.
The second apron is incredibly punishing, and the Knicks will be hard-pressed to remain under it if they re-sign Anunoby, Achiuwa, and Isaiah Hartenstein, especially if they hope to add another difference-maker via free agency.
The question becomes, how do the Knicks go about drafting Mogbo? He’s currently projected to be drafted in the early second round. Fortunately, New York also owns the 38th overall pick (via the Utah Jazz). So, New York has to hope Mogbo lasts until there. Otherwise, they might consider making another move to jump higher in the second round.
Either way, if they select Mogbo, an Achiuwa reunion might be a longer shot than originally thought.
The Knicks are in great shape, and the 2024 NBA Draft should help New York solidify itself as a title contender. We’re dangerously close to the draft. So, be careful which rumors you believe, as many are floated to mislead competing front offices (but also mislead fans). Enjoy!
Follow Us
Subscribe