New York Knicks: Selection in recent mock draft makes little sense

The first round selection of the New York Knicks in a few recent mock drafts makes little sense.

The New York Knicks‘ plans for the 2017-18 season changed drastically two weeks ago. That is when franchise cornerstone Kristaps Porzingis injured his knee. The ACL injury not only ended Porzingis’ season, but the Knicks’ season as well.

Without Porzingis, New York’s outlook changes drastically. Instead of making a playoff push, the focus will already be turned to preparing for next season. One of the things that fans will be looking forward to is the 2018 NBA Draft.

Without Porzingis, the Knicks will be lottery-bound. There is a good chance that their pick lands inside the top 10, and with every passing day and game, they will move closer to the top-five.

Right now, the Knicks are projected to be the No. 9 selection. In recent mock drafts, the Knicks are once again looking in the backcourt.

Over at ESPN, Jonathan Givony released a new mock draft, accounting for any changes made leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline. Some picks were exchanged, so the mock draft was updated.

In the updated ESPN NBA Mock Draft, the Knicks are selecting Alabama point guard, Collin Sexton. Here is what they had to say about the selection:

"“Frank Ntilikina has had some nice rookie moments, but the Knicks are finding out that the long-armed, 6’5″ guard seems better suited playing alongside a more dominant ball handler and shot creator who can take some of the scoring responsibilities off his shoulders.“Enter Sexton, with his tremendous aggressiveness driving the lane, taking off-the-dribble jumpers and putting defensive pressure on opposing guards. NBA teams have some concerns about Sexton’s ability to stay healthy because of his reckless style of play. He has been dinged up much of the season, which hasn’t helped matters.”"

Two weeks ago, this is a selection that would have created excitement among the fanbase. Sexton has helped turn around the Crimson Tide this season. As an added bonus, he is playing under former NBA champion and NBA head coach Avery Johnson, who is the head coach at Alabama.

Learning from an NBA point guard at the college level is not something every prospect has the chance to do. That should help Sexton be more prepared for the next level compared to some of his peers.

More from New York Knicks

Sexton brings a lot to the table that teams would like. He is explosive and can score from anywhere on the court. Standing only 6’2″ inches tall, he is a defensive menace because of a 6’7″ wingspan. He is a tireless worker, but being mocked to the Knicks makes little sense.

Frank Ntilikina wasn’t a selection made by the current Knicks brain trust of Scott Perry and Steve Mills. Ntilikina was selected by Phil Jackson No. 8 in the 2017 NBA Draft. Mills was the general manager at the time, so he has some connection to Ntilikina, but that was mostly a Jackson pick.

As a result, the Knicks have made moves that could be showing their hand in regards to how they feel about Ntilkina. Trey Burke was signed out of the G League. At the deadline, they acquired point guard Emmanuel Mudiay from the Denver Nuggets.

That is three young point guards that the Knicks could potentially have on the roster next season. Where does Sexton fit into that group? Burke could be elsewhere next year, but it is unlikely that Mudiay or Ntilikina are off the roster.

The fit is one reason the selection is an odd one for the Knicks. What makes it even odder is who is mocked right after Sexton. Mikal Bridges of Villanova and Miles Bridges of Michigan State are selected 10th and 11th respectively.

Both Mikal and Miles would be excellent fits for the Knicks. Both are forwards, a position that the Knicks are lacking. Lance Thomas and Michael Beasley are the only forwards on the roster with Doug McDermott being traded at the deadline. That is something the Knicks will have to change this offseason.

Mikal brings shooting, defense and a high basketball IQ, all three of which are qualities the Knicks lack. Miles brings freakish athleticism to the table, with the chance to develop into an all-around forward. Both bring a ton of versatility, as they can play and defend multiple spots.

Versatility and flexibility are essentially a requirement nowadays in what is becoming a positionless NBA. Both Mikal and Miles would provide that while filling in a glaring need on the roster.

Next: 2018 NBA Draft: The Best Team For Top Prospects

The Knicks are hoping that they can hit with either Ntilikina or Mudiay as the backcourt mate to Porzingis for the long haul. A running mate on the wing should be next on the Knicks’ checklist for building blocks. Mikal Bridges or Miles Bridges would look great in the orange and blue as a foundational piece for the rebuild.

Home/New York Knicks