Draft Options
The Knicks do not currently own a 2023 draft pick, so here, we will assess New York’s options assuming they make the aforementioned Toppin trade, which would have them landing the 29th selection.
In terms of positional needs, New York will be looking for a shooting guard, although they may find one elsewhere. They also may be looking for a power forward to replace Toppin in this scenario. Here are some prospects New York should look to target at those positions.
• Leonard Miller
• Brandin Podziemski
• Gregory Jackson
Leonard Miller is a somewhat typical power forward on the G-League level, though he may need to add some size to maintain that playstyle in the NBA. His defensive versatility and hard-nosed attitude should translate, however, as he averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds per game for the G-League Ignite.
Brandin Podziemski is a pure sharpshooter coming from the Santa Clara Broncos. Podziemski performed well as the Broncos’ star player, averaging 20 points per game on 48% shooting from the field and 43% shooting from beyond the arc. He could provide a spark off the Knicks’ bench in limited minutes, and earn more of a role as his game outside of shooting progresses.
Gregory Jackson played power forward in college but is more of a wing capable of playing the four. He thrives attacking off the dribble using his speed to get to the rim, and he’s shown flashes of an outside shooting game, although there’s certainly room for improvement there. As the youngest player in his class, Jackson has a high ceiling and is worth taking a chance on by the Knicks late in the first round.
Overall, the Knicks have a variety of options this summer with a haul of future first-rounders and young prospects at their disposal. The key will be finding ways to improve now while maintaining those assets for when a true franchise player comes along.