Isaiah Stewart, PF, 6’9, 250 lbs., Washington
A shrewd striker who delivers thrilling minutes, Stewart is an option I don’t see very often linked to the Knicks, but he just might fit in. With uncertainty about the returns of Bobby Portis and Taj Gibson next year, the Knicks could use a 4 that can protect the paint and give Julius Randle a solid backup option. With a Randle-like setup, this move would be primarily for depth in the attack zone.
Nico Mannion, PG, 6’3, 190 lbs., Arizona
If the Knicks decide to wait for a point guard until the 27th pick, I think the big chance would be Nico Mannion. Another son of a former player, Mannion is an ultimate plan general who manages the point with a high basketball IQ and ability to take down the three at will.
Considered a lottery talent for a long time, Mannion fell a bit on the drawing boards and could be the real deal at the end of the first round.
Daniel Oturu, PF / C, 6’10, 240 lbs., Minnesota
Daniel Oturu, last year’s successful second year for the Gophers, is a scoring machine with a ton of NBA boosts. Despite averaging 20 and 11 last season, Oturu also dunk 2.5 blocks per game and shot 36.5% from behind the arc.
Basically a young mold of what Julius Randle is already, I’m a huge Oturu fan but I don’t think the Knicks catch him late first unless a Randle trade happens before draft day. If so, Oturu must jump to the top of the Knicks roster.
