New York Knicks: 5 reasons Kevin Knox was a good pick
5. Knox’s youth and wanting to be a Knick
The NBA Draft gives a chance for organizations to land youthful talent to round out their roster. The Knicks landed one of the youngest players in this year’s draft class in Knox.
Knox won’t turn 19 until Aug. 11. Only Jaren Jackson Jr., the fourth overall pick to the Memphis Grizzlies, Issuf Sanon, the 44th overall pick by the Washington Wizards, and Isaac Bonga, the 39th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, are younger than Knox.
A big reason the Knicks are in the position they’re now is they would not commit to younger players. The new regime is finally embracing that, cementing that fact by selecting Knox over someone such as Mikal Bridges. Bridges may be a more established player right now, but his ceiling isn’t nearly as high as Knox’s.
His youthfulness will require some patience, but it is a welcome change that the Knicks are committing to younger players. Knox should be prepared to play right away as David Fizdale has no plans of coddling him.
David Fizdale is impressed with Kevin Knox’s mental makeup: “Right from the beginning, this kid wanted to be a Knick. I’m crazy enough because I can relate: I asked to be a Knick. To ask for that you have to be a certain type of competitor.”
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 22, 2018
Kevin Knox wanting to be in New York is another thing to be excited about. New York isn’t for everyone, but after playing collegiately at Kentucky, Knox should be ready for some pressure. Being booed when hearing your name on draft night will be plenty of motivation.