Knicks Seem Unlikely To Keep All Of Their Draft Picks

June 25, 2021

The Knicks own three picks in the top 32 of this year’s draft, but rival executives don’t expect them to use them all, according to Ian Begley of SNY.tv.

“I can’t see them carrying three rookies on the roster (next year),” a member of an opposing organization told Begley.

The Knicks hold the Nos. 19 and 21 picks of the first round, as well the 32d and 58th overall in the second. Begley asked what they may be able to get if they packaged the highest three to try to move up.

“That would probably get you into the top eight,” an opposing exec said, via Begley.

Both Begley and the New York Post’s Marc Berman have reported the Knicks are meeting with the several projected lottery picks at this week’s NBA Combine in Chicago. The list includes Florida State small forward Scottie Barnes, Duke small forward Jalen Johnson and Connecticut combo guard James Bouknight.

While all are intriguing prospects, Berman noted that some league executives have cautioned about giving away picks to move up. There seems to be some parity “between Nos. 8 and 21,” Berman wrote.

The Knicks are in need of a point guard, Berman added, and Bouknight is a native New Yorker. He made it clear he liked the idea of joining the Knicks.

“I feel like the Knicks fit would be great — just another guard you can give the ball and ask him to get a basket,” Bouknight said, via Berman. “I really feel my playmaking ability is underrated. I feel going to a team where I can showcase that part of my game, I feel I can do that for the Knicks.”

But the Knicks would have to move up if the interest is mutual. Perhaps an attempt to do just that is in the works.