Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades
player. 27. . Forward. Kentucky. Kevin Knox. 9
With the ninth overall pick, the New York Knicks addressed a need on the wing with the selection of Kevin Knox from Kentucky. Even though Knicks fans booed the pick at the Barclays Center, Knox had a very nice season at Kentucky.
Knox has great size at 6’9” and should be able to play both forward positions for the Knicks depending on what type of lineup they are using. One of the weaknesses for Knox in college was his consistency, but as a freshman, that isn’t shocking.
In his freshman season, Knox was a very good scorer as he averaged 15.6 points per game. From beyond the three-point line, Knox shot it at 34 percent, which is pretty good. While taking a player like Mikal Bridges might have helped the Knicks in the short-term, Knox has the potential to be a player that could score 20 points per game in the NBA.
While it might take a couple of years, Knox has a very high ceiling coming into the NBA. Since Kristaps Porzingis might miss a chunk of the season, the Knicks likely won’t be going anywhere next season. This should allow Knox to develop in his rookie season and begin to grow into a good player for the Knicks.