Knicks' Ideal 2022 NBA Mock Draft
The New York Knicks have a massive problem at the point guard position.
The 2022 NBA draft offers their next opportunity to finally fix it.
They don't have to take a point guard, of course, but the draft board will ideally break in a way that their top need aligns with the best prospect available. It might take a trade to make that happen, but New York has the resources to get something done.
With the talent grab quickly approaching on June 23, we're examining three different draft-night scenarios for New York's first selection.
Trade-up Target No. 1: Jaden Ivey, PG/SG, Purdue
Jaden Ivey is unlikely to make it out of the top five. Without a trade, the Knicks aren't drafting earlier than No. 11.
And yet, the 'Bockers decision-makers still opted to interview the 20-year-old at the combine, per Marc Berman of the New York Post.
While that could merely reflect a thoroughness in the franchise's draft approach, the fit with Ivey is so intriguing to imagine it could indicate a willingness to move up for him.
His best-case scenario would put New York's decades-long point guard search to bed. The Purdue product is a blur off the dribble, an electric scoring threat and a highlight-waiting-to-happen when racing toward the rim.
Ivey can create plays for himself and his teammates, but he's also a good enough shooter to add offensive value away from the basketball. That last part should be particularly enticing for the Knicks, who already run a huge chunk of their offense through Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.
Trade-up Target No. 2: Dyson Daniels, PG/SG, G League Ignite
There was a time when the Knicks could have stayed at No. 11 and still hold a realistic hope of landing Dyson Daniels.
That time is over.
As ESPN's Jonathan Givony noted at the combine, the 19-year-old has started "to generate some top-five buzz."
Ideally, the Knicks wouldn't have to move up that high to get Daniels, but if he's their guy, that could prove a small sacrifice to make.
For a team that has been woefully short on playmakers, the idea of adding a 6'7" table-setter who can drive, score from the post and defend multiple positions is surely intoxicating, especially if New York thinks it can shore up his improving outside shot.
Pick No. 11: AJ Griffin, SF/PF, Duke
The son of 10-year NBA veteran Adrian Griffin, AJ Griffin could be the plug-and-play, three-and-D wing that helps complete this roster.
The real hope, though, is that the 18-year-old might become even more.
His three-point shot is pure, as evidenced by his sizzling 44.7 percent splash rate during his one-and-done run at Duke. His defense isn't quite there, but his toughness and 7'0" wingspan point to lockdown potential. If that's all he brings to the NBA hardwood, that could be enough to keep him in the league for a decade-plus.
Having said that, his flashes of shot-creation are really what sends the imagination into overdrive. His handles are tight and creative, his fakes and moves keep defenders off balance and his attacks often earn him trips to the foul line.
Griffin even shows promise as a passer, which could elevate his offensive profile even higher.