New York Knicks: Time to grade Obi Toppin and the 2020 rookie class

New York Knicks undrafted rookie: Myles Powell

According to experts, Myles Powell was considered a second-round draft pick. But as I’ve already pointed out, this draft was all over the place in where players were supposed to be selected.

The New York Knicks could have used their second-round pick on Powell, but they used it on Daniel Oturu, who was drafted by the Timberwolves and then moved to the LA Clippers. In return, the Knicks received the Pistons 2023 second-rounder. And looking back on the trade, it made sense for the Knicks not to guarantee money to another young player when they could roll the dice in the undrafted market.

If we look at the team, 11 of the 18 players on the current roster (including Exhibit 10 contracts and excluding two-way contracts) are under 25 years old. So taking on another young player to develop is not in the team’s best interest because it’s necessary to have veterans as leaders and demonstrate professionalism.

Furthermore, the Knicks got a 2023 second-round pick in the “double draft” (the draft that may include high school graduates), which may be a deep pool of talent. So the team has set themselves up for the future with assets they can either use or ship in a trade.

By not using their draft pick on Powell and signing him as an undrafted rookie to an Exhibit 10 contract (which allows him to participate in training camp with the potential of making the main roster or ending up on the Westchester Knicks) was a savvy business move by New York.

Powell should still excite the Knicks organization (and fan base) because his resume shows that he is a talented hooper. He was first-team All American, Big East Player of the Year, Jerry West Award winner, and two-time winner of the Haggerty Award. At Seton Hall, he placed third in the school’s history for most points scored (2,252 points) and helped the Pirates to four 20 plus win seasons too.

There is no other way to describe Powell than a walking bucket. While at Seton Hall, he demonstrated his ability to put the ball through the hole in many fashions. Whether it’s taking it to the rack, knocking down shots from beyond the arc, and utilizing his mid-range jumper (analytic nerds favorite *sarcasm*).

https://twitter.com/sny_knicks/status/1329474708400640000

Now, even though Powell is known as a scorer, he’s capable of playmaking as well. Like Quickley, he isn’t a two to three steps ahead playmaker. Yet, Powell is highly capable of making the correct read while reacting to what the defense is throwing at him.

However, even though Powell’s bread and butter are his scoring and playmaking, he will need to improve his shot selection, passing, and on-ball defense.

Powell has this tendency to force some highly contested shots. He also likes to shoot when he should’ve made the extra pass or reset the offense. On top of that, his inability to see the play before it happens needs work because he tends to force passes when he shouldn’t. But these weaknesses aren’t a significant concern because they can be corrected by coaching (looking at you, Johnnie Bryant).

The primary concern is his defense because, once again, this is a Tom Thibodeau-led team.

Watching Powell on defense is like watching an old James Harden because there is an ole while trying to poke the ball out when the opponent drives by. It looks like Powell needs better positioning and footwork to be a better defender for the most part. And if Harden can improve on defense, then I think Powell can as well (like Toppin, Powell’s defense just needs to be passable).

The big question, however, is, does Powell make the main roster? And to be honest, there is a better chance of him being in the G League for a year than making the main roster because training camp is short, and there are very few preseason games. It’ll be a significant uphill climb.

But even if Powell has to play a full season on the Westchester Knicks (of half and gets a two-way), it’s still an excellent signing for the New York Knicks because they could potentially have gotten a steal out of the draft. Plus, Powell is one of Toppin’s best friends, so that’s a win.

Draft Grade: A-