The Knicks also have a decision to make in the next draft. They have the eighth overall selection, although there are also speculations that they will try to scale up the project to possibly select a more elite prospect like LaMelo Ball.
But assuming the Knicks keep their eighth pick, here are a couple of names the team should be targeting, particularly in providing constant reinforcement to their rickety backcourt.
Tyrese Haliburton
It doesn’t take an expert to see that New York needs a firmer hand in the playmaker position. Obviously, Frank Ntilikina’s experiment was strenuous. That doesn’t mean the Knicks should give up Ntilikina and get rid of him.
The Knicks should make Haliburton their top priority in the draft. At 6-foot-5, Haliburton has excellent length for the point guard role, although he may need to increase more. But his passing vision is extraordinary. Show patience in letting the plays develop, rather than forcing things and making those passes that coaches absolutely discourage. His shooting form is unorthodox and a bit slow to release, but his 42% stellar clip from the three-point line proves he has the ability to be a deadly long-range gunner.
On top of all this, Haliburton thrives on defense.
Killian Hayes
Hayes is another directing perspective the Knicks should consider. Like Haliburton, Hayes is a 6’5 point guard who already has extensive experience playing overseas. He is not as athletically gifted as other potential clients, but his sensitivity for the game makes him an outstanding facilitator.
Hayes is not a fast ball carrier, but his ability to accelerate and decelerate effectively helps him get past his defenders. It makes the right decisions in pick-and-roll situations and has a variety of creative finishes around the edge.
However, Hayes must muster more on his off-the-ball scoring skills to coexist with RJ Barrett. If Hayes manages to show off a decent three-point shot, he and Barrett will be able to find ways to complement each other.