New York Knicks: 5 best options for the No. 19 pick in the NBA draft
Options for the New York Knicks in the NBA draft: 2. Sharife Cooper
If you want to talk statistics only, no prospect makes more sense for the New York Knicks than Sharife Cooper. Amongst those projected to go in the first round, no one averaged more assists than Cooper, while very few came close to him from a scoring standpoint.
On the plus side, Cooper is a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end. He averaged 20.2 points and 8.1 assists per game as a sophomore. He has an amazing feel of the game, often disorientating his defenders, which allows him to make the perfect pass.
Not only that, but he also happens to be immensely skilled when finishing close to the basket, by using his lack of size and speed to his advantage. Running the pick-and-roll with him appears to be deadly, especially when combined with a big that can stretch the floor.
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Copper’s game does, though, come with a few weaknesses to it too. Being a below-average defender on a collegiate level only makes you wonder as to how his defensive efforts will translate into the NBA’s style.
Apart from that, he is a very poor 3-point shooter and, unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to be aware of it. He took almost 5 attempts per game, making just over one of them on a nightly basis.
One could say that this was LaMelo Ball’s case to begin with, though we really shouldn’t take one exception all too seriously. The Knicks need 3-point shooting and in today’s league, a point guard should be helping you in that area.
Given Cooper’s tremendous passing skills, that does pave the way for other members of the team to improve from behind the arc. Nevertheless, selecting Sharife Cooper at pick No. 19 while slowly focusing on his shooting in training might be the way to go.