The New York Knicks have a lot at stake in the 2020 NBA draft as they try to turn things around after seven straight losing seasons.
A new administration led by team president Leon Rose will hope to build a contender out of a roster that has few sure things. RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson could be key parts of the future, although the team needs a lot more help to contend in the Eastern Conference.
The No. 8 pick in the first round gives the team an opportunity to draft someone who will be a key player for years to come, but a misstep could be disappointing.
Assuming the Knicks don't make a trade, it's unlikely they will get a chance to take a top prospect like LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards or James Wiseman on Wednesday night. Fortunately, there are other intriguing options at positions of need who would be ideal picks for the team at the current spot.
Like Hayes, Tyrese Haliburton is more skill than physical ability, but the talent is still there for the Iowa State product to become a star.
Haliburton is known for filling up the box score, averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 assists, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per game as a sophomore last season. Adding his 41.9 percent three-point shooting, and there isn't a lot the guard can't do on a basketball court.
The 6'5" player has a great feel for the game and can bring the type of intangibles the Knicks are currently missing.
The fit with New York is also perfect with his ability to play either guard spot.
It would be great if he ends up as a lead guard next to Barrett in the backcourt for years. However, the team could still also add another point guard, pushing Haliburton to the 2 and Barrett to the 3.
A 6'7½" wingspan should allow him to defend players at multiple spots, giving the guard all the tools needed to be a quality contributor at the next level.
Most projections have Obi Toppin going off the board within the top five, but an unusual draft could see a player like this slide down the lottery.
Toppin, 22, is one of the older players in the class, while his defense could create significant challenges in the NBA. At 6'9", 220 pounds, he is also a bit undersized to play in the post.
However, he could still be a valuable addition to the Knicks if he makes it to No. 8.
The Dayton product was the best player in college basketball last season, averaging 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He displayed excellent athleticism throughout the year and has the ability to score at all levels of the court.
His offensive ability makes him one of the safest players in the class, which could be good for the Knicks after missing on several picks in recent years.
Toppin could be a long-term answer at the 4 once he takes the job from Julius Randle.
Patrick Williams didn't turn many heads during his lone college basketball season, averaging 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, but it's the skill set that likely has scouts salivating about his ability.
The 6'8" forward has a 6'11" wingspan and excellent strength and athleticism, making him the ideal player to defend multiple positions at the next level. He averaged one block and one steal per game at Florida State despite playing just 22.5 minutes per game off the bench.
His hustle also ensures he has a high floor as at least a defensive specialist.
There is also a high ceiling on the offensive end with his slashing ability and developing jump shot.
Williams is just 19 years old, one of the youngest players in the class and about two years younger than fellow forward prospect Precious Achiuwa. It gives teams a chance to dream on the possibilities if he keeps improving.
The Knicks need upside, and Williams could end up being a steal at his draft spot.
If the Knicks' top options are off the board, the team should take risks with players who might be considered a reach. The squad is far from contention and needs stars instead of future role players.
One strategy could be targeting one of the players who left high school as a top-10 prospect but saw their stock fall for various reasons, including Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton and Tyrese Maxey.
Maxey didn't have a great year at Kentucky but could be the best of the bunch and one of the best in the class at his position if he lives up to his potential.
The 6'3" guard has the athleticism and craftiness to get into the lane and score with consistency, while he has displayed the ability to make shots from well beyond the arc. The 29.2 percent shooting from three-point range last year is a concern, but his form could lead to more success going forward.
There is also little doubt about his ability on the other end after showing he can be an elite on-ball defender.
Maxey impressed during his recent pro day, even outshining potential top pick Anthony Edwards, per Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
New York can add someone who will at least be a rotational player with the upside of a two-way star at point guard.