The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in buying into the 2016 NBA Draft. These are some second round prospects they should target.
The New York Knicks have scheduled a number of workouts with prospects, and attended the draft combine in Chicago. It was not surprising to hear that they’re attempting to buy into the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft.Ian Begley of ESPN was the first to report about the team’s draft plans.
The Knicks would love to buy into the first round but there’s a better chance they find themselves with a second rounder.
Pre-draft workouts would suggest that the Knicks are targeting a wing player. Perhaps help to back up Carmelo Anthony at small forward — as they hoped Cleanthony Early would be in the 2014 Draft — but more likely a shooting guard due to the impending departure of Arron Afflalo.
The Knicks were 20th in three-point percentage and last in fast break point during the 2015-16 season, so they need to make multiple roster changes if they want to fit Jeff Hornacek‘s up-tempo style.
So who should the Knicks be looking at?
Paul Zipser, SF, Bayern Muenchen
- 22 yrs. old
- 6’8″, 210 lbs.
- Germany
- Season Stats: 6.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 16.6 PER
Draft Express says that Paul Zipser would be asked to play a 3-and-D combo forward role in the NBA. His jump shot is too streaky right now, but the potential is definitely there.
He’s already shown he can be a good defender, but his 6’11.5″ wingspan gives him the potential to be a great one.
Zipser is a long shot choice but an interesting one. Phil Jackson has shown he is willing to take risks in the draft before and Zipser would be one.
Wayne Selden, SG, Kansas Jayhawks
- 21 yrs. old
- 6’6″, 232 lbs.
- Season Stats: 13.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 17.8 PER
Wayne Selden was a star recruit at Kansas, beginning his career with much fanfare alongside Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid.
He never really lived up to the hype in college, and now his stock is hurting due to a recent knee injury that kept him out of action at the draft combine.
Selden’s three-point percentage went up each season he was at Kansas, making him a 36.6 percent career shooter from beyond the arc. 45.7% of his career college attempts were threes, preparing him for a career in the NBA as a role player.
His freakish 6’10.5″ wingspan and 230 pound frame gives him the physical tools to develop into a good defender.
Malcolm Brogdon, SG, Virginia Cavaliers
- 23 yrs. old
- 6’6″, 223 lbs.
- Season Stats: 18.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 25.5 PER
Malcolm Brodgon was ACC Player of the Year during his senior season, putting up one of the best seasons in the country.
He’s one of the most versatile players in the draft and an excellent defender. He was a good shooter at Virginia, finishing with a career slash line of .430/.365/.876. His free throw percentage ranked him third all-time in the ACC.
The biggest knock on Brodgon is his age. He’ll be 24 in Dec. and most teams lean more towards young players to develop in the second round than those who are possibly NBA-ready.
Isaiah Whitehead, SG, Seton Hall Pirates
- 21 yrs. old
- 6’5″, 210 lbs.
- Season Stats: 18.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.1 APG, 20.6 PER
Isaiah Whitehead will be an immediate threat from behind the 3-point line and in fast break situations.
However, he must improve his decision-making.
Whitehead was terribly inefficient while at Seton Hall. He led the Big East with a usage percentage of 31.6%, averaged 4.5 turnovers per 40 minutes, and shot a dreadful 39% on two point attempts.
Pretty unbelievable considering his career three-point (35.9%) and free-throw percentages (75.7%).
Per SNY.tv, He worked out for the Knicks’ team president Phil Jackson and head coach Jeff Hornacek. It’s hard to believe that Whitehead can handle the triangle, but he would be a help in Hornacek’s offense.
Caris LeVert, PG/SG, Michigan Wolverines
- 21 yrs. old
- 6’7″, 191 lbs.
- Season Stats: 16.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, 28.9 PER
Injuries to his foot have ruined Caris LeVert‘s opportunity to be a lottery pick. He’s only played 33 games in the past two seasons combined. LeVert won’t be healthy until after the draft, so his inability to work out for teams his hurt his stock even more.
That doesn’t mean he won’t be a productive NBA player. Based on talent alone, LeVert’s a first round pick. He shot over 40% from three-point range and averaged 4.0 assists per 40 minutes for his career.
He improved as a ball handler and defender during each season and can now play some point guard in the league and guard multiple positions.
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