New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft grades

No. 9: Kevin Knox, Kentucky

The Knicks decided to go with a higher upside selection with the No. 9 overall pick. Knox may not be as polished yet as someone such as Mikal Bridges, but he has a much higher ceiling. He also doesn’t have the injury concerns right now that Michael Porter Jr. carries with him.

Based on chatter leading up to the draft, these were the three players that were in play and New York decided on Knox. It made the right decision. Knox has a very versatile offensive game. He is a combo forward, so he can play either small forward or power forward, which is nice to have.

Knox is a great fit alongside Kristaps Porzingis given the diversity in his offensive game. He has some range on his jump shot and can score in a multitude of ways. That is a big reason that the Knicks selected him, as they need a long-term scorer next to Porzingis.

Knox is gifted athletically, which should help translate defensively at the next level. He is a great prospect, but he does have some things to work on.

If he is going to play power forward, he will need to improve on his rebounding. If Enes Kanter isn’t retained, the Knicks won’t have many great rebounders on the roster, so Knox will have to improve in that area. Consistency was also lacking at times at Kentucky, something he will hope to lessen in the NBA.

Playing at Kentucky should have helped prepare him for what he will face in New York with the media and fans. He heard the crowd chanting for another player to be selected and was booed, but that did not faze him.

Knox will have plenty of time to prove those naysayers wrong. This is a pick that many people will keep an eye on in the coming years given who the Knicks passed up, but Knox is a great fit for what New York needed.

Grade: B+