New York Knicks: 5 options for pick No. 9 in 2018 NBA Draft

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

There are some analysts that believe the Knicks could look to the backcourt for the second year in a row. If that is the case, one player they could consider is Kentucky point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Coming into the season, Kentucky had yet another loaded freshman class. Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t the most highly regarded, but he played his way into possibly being the first Kentucky player drafted this June.

Gilgeous-Alexander was inserted into the starting lineup on Jan. 9 and never looked back. He replaced Quade Green when he was injured and never gave up the starting point guard spot.

Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t a prototypical point guard but brings a lot to the table. At 6’6″, he can play multiple positions. His playmaking is solid, but he needs to continue improving his ball-handling.

His defense is where he would make his impact right away. He could be paired with anyone in the backcourt given his size. Imagine he and Frank Ntilikina on the perimeter together?

Gilgeous-Alexander has some similarities to Ntilikina, but he is a more polished playmaker and has shown an ability to knock down jumpers. He is hesitant to take them, but connected at a 40.3 percent clip last season. His 81.7 percent from the foul line proves he can shoot the ball rather well.