Knicks · Chad Ford: Mock Draft 6.1: New picks for Knicks, Sixers in top-10 shakeup (page 1)
Editor's note (June 9):?This mock draft has been updated with the news that French center Jonathan Jeanne was diagnosed with a career-threatening genetic disorder.
The NBA draft is in about two weeks, and new info is coming in. We are finding out more about what teams are seeing in workouts and debating in front offices.
This mock draft is based on conversations with NBA scouts and general managers.
1. Boston Celtics (via Nets)
Markelle Fultz
Washington
Freshman
Guard
Fultz was in Boston on Monday and Tuesday for interviews, medical testing and a workout. The information will be critical for Boston in a few ways.
He didn't do medical testing at the combine, so this will give the Celtics their first good look at his health. With Lonzo Ball refusing to work out for the Celtics, it gives Fultz a chance to solidify the thinking that he's the best prospect for the team.
Fultz has been the top guy on the Celtics' board for a while, but he's not the only player they're considering. Ball, De'Aaron Fox, Josh Jackson and Jayson Tatum are also in the mix, according to sources.
A strong workout and interview could help seal the deal for Fultz.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Lonzo Ball
UCLA
Freshman
Guard
The Lakers are going out of their way to stifle talk that Ball to L.A. is a done deal. Partially it's about controlling the narrative and their draft destiny, but it's also around some genuine disagreements in the front office about who's the best pick for the Lakers' future.
Fox and Jackson have a real shot at going No. 2. Ball is the favorite, but he's far from a lock.
3. Philadelphia 76ers (via Kings)
Josh Jackson
Kansas
Freshman
Forward
The chances that the Sixers draft a guard or a wing are high; the question appears to be which one.
There's quite a debate going on between the front office and coaching staff about whom they should take. Best player available? That's probably Jackson or Fox. Their elite toughness, athleticism and defensive potential are very attractive. The problem is that both players struggle as shooters and the Sixers need backcourt players who can stroke it.
Best fit among available players? Malik Monk or Dennis Smith. Both players are athletic, shoot well and play off the ball (a must given head coach Brett Brown's decision to make? Ben Simmons?the Sixers' primary ball handler).
The Sixers still have several workouts to gauge the best fit, so it's premature to put a solid favorite here. Based on the sheer level of admiration for a particular player, it's between Fox and Jackson. I'm giving Jackson the edge right now, but it's a slight edge.
4. Phoenix Suns
De'Aaron Fox
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard
The Suns are hoping that Ball falls to No. 4. They like him and think he's a good fit in their system alongside Devin Booker.
If he's not there, it will be among Jackson, Fox and Tatum. With Jackson off the board, Fox seems like an ideal fit. The Suns are loaded with offensive talent. Getting Fox's defensive versatility, intensity and playmaking should really improve the Suns and open the door to an Eric Bledsoe trade.
5. Sacramento Kings (via 76ers)
Jayson Tatum
Duke
Freshman
Forward
Fox came in to work out with the Kings this week, and there is a strong impulse to get him. They think he's a nice complement to Buddy Hield and he would really ramp up the rebuilding of their culture. The problem is that Sacramento has become his floor, not his ceiling.?
The Kings also like Jackson, but he too looks like he'll be off the board before they draft.
There's talk inside the organization about combining picks Nos. 5 and 10 to move up in the draft to secure Fox. If they found a taker, that would be a high price to pay to move up two to three spots.
Other options include Tatum, Jonathan Isaac and Smith. All three players fit a need for the Kings.
Tatum or Isaac would be a nice long-term replacement for Rudy Gay. Smith is the next-best point guard on the board. Right now Tatum has the edge. He's the safest of the three guys.
6. Orlando Magic
Jonathan Isaac
Florida State
Freshman
Forward
With team president Jeff Weltman and GM John Hammond now running the show in Orlando, you can be sure that they won't be afraid to gamble. Both of them love long, athletic and versatile players with upside, and Isaac has as much upside as anyone in the draft.
He's also one of the biggest risks. In Milwaukee, Hammond and Weltman bet on Giannis Antetokounmpo?and they won't be afraid to take Isaac.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Lauri Markkanen
Arizona
Freshman
Forward
We've been back and forth between Isaac and Markkanen here for several mock drafts.
Both are excellent fits for the Wolves, who are looking for a stretch-4. Isaac would offer more upside. Markkanen is more ready now and a more proven shooter.
With Isaac off the board, this looks like Markkanen's spot.
8. New York Knicks
Malik Monk
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard
The Knicks are looking at a number of backcourt players, including Monk, Smith and Frank Ntilikina.
Monk may be the highest upside player and best fit of the group. If he lands here, Knicks fans will love him when he heats up.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Dennis Smith
NC State
Freshman
Guard
The Mavs need a young point guard to build around and would be happy to take the best one that falls to them at No. 9.
Ntilikina has great size for his position, plays with strength and displays a great feel. He's also an improving shooter. He reminds me a bit of George Hill. Smith has more athleticism, shoots it better and is more NBA ready, but does not quite possess the same feel for the game.
The Mavs have scouted Ntilikina more than any other team in the league, but I think it might be hard for them to pass on Smith if he's there. He's really good and in a normal draft would be a top-five pick.
10. Sacramento Kings (via Pelicans)
Frank Ntilikina
France
Age:?18
Guard
The Kings will have to be pretty happy with this haul if they end up with Tatum and Ntilikina.
Ntilikina could be their starting point guard of the future. He's more raw than the other elite point guard prospects, but at this point in the draft he's a great get. Other prospects that will get a look here include Luke Kennard, Donovan Mitchell and Harry Giles.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Donovan Mitchell
Louisville
Sophomore
Guard
Mitchell has been one of the highest risers in the draft since his season ended.
NBA scouts are talking themselves into his elite combination of athleticism, length and versatility. Some teams think he can play some point, others see him as the next Eric Gordon. His versatility will be a strong selling point for the Hornets.
Zach Collins and Kennard are also strongly in the mix at No. 11.
12. Detroit Pistons
Luke Kennard
Duke
Sophomore
Guard
The Pistons have been flirting with trading this pick for a more established player, but if they keep it, look for them to try to nab a shooter.
Kennard wowed NBA scouts and GMs at his pro day, putting on an epic 3-point display and showing more athleticism than scouts thought he had a Duke (the Lakers recorded him with a 38.5-inch max vertical at his workout).
Kennard is getting interest as high as No. 8 to the Knicks. He's a hot name to watch right now.
13. Denver Nuggets
OG Anunoby
Indiana
Sophomore
Forward
Anunoby will be affected by what doctors have to say about his surgically repaired knee. Some teams feel it might be up to a year before he gets back to full health.
Even with the possibility he'll miss next season, I'm not sure the Nuggets will be scared off. They could use a long, athletic player like Anunoby, who can guard five positions on the floor.
John Collins and Giles are other strong possibilities at No. 13.
14. Miami Heat
Zach Collins
Gonzaga
Freshman
Center
The Heat are eyeing several players to pair in the front court with Hassan Whiteside. Zach Collins, John Collins and Giles are the three strongest contenders at this point.
Zach Collins has the unusual ability to both stretch the floor and protect the rim. He's a good athlete, he's aggressive and his analytics scores are through the roof.
He is in the mix as high as No. 9 to the Mavs. I don't think he slips past here.
15. Portland Trail Blazers
Harry Giles
Duke
Freshman
Forward
Teams are still taking a wait-and-see attitude on Giles. He was very impressive in a pro-day workout in New York last week. He showed no real ill effects from his knee injuries. He was bouncy and active and reminded some scouts why they fell in love with him as the potential No. 1 pick before his latest knee injury.
The key will be the medical results. Giles, like many of the other top prospects in the draft, didn't go through the combine medical testing and chose instead to do a private physical. Once teams get a look at those results, we'll have a better feel for whether No. 15 is too high or too low. But if feels like extraordinary value for the Blazers here.
16. Chicago Bulls
John Collins
Wake Forest
Sophomore
Forward
Collins, who is the same age as many freshmen, has a lot going for him as a long-term Taj Gibson replacement.
He shot the ball really well in recent workouts and that's improving his stock. If he can be a stretch-4 in the league, he's very good value here.
17. Milwaukee Bucks
Ike Anigbogu
UCLA
Freshman
Center
Anibogu would give the Bucks an athletic rim protector who can use strength to clear out the paint and finish above the rim. He lacks polish but has long-term potential as a defensive-minded 5.?
Jarrett Allen, Terrance Ferguson and Justin Jackson are also options for the Milwaukee.
18. Indiana Pacers
TJ Leaf
UCLA
Freshman
Forward
Opinions on Leaf are all over the board. He's one of the most gifted scorers in the class and he has a great feel for the game. He lacks strength and elite lateral quickness, making him a potential liability on the defensive end.
However, at this point in the draft, anyone a team picks is going to have a glaring weakness or two. Leaf's ability to get buckets should make him valuable to the Pacers.
Ferguson and Bam Adebayo are other possibilities.
19. Atlanta Hawks
Jarrett Allen
Texas
Freshman
Center
New GM Travis Schlenk will be tasked with trying to turn the Hawks into an East Coast version of the Warriors. Alas, there is no Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green?or Klay Thompson?at this point in the draft.
Allen is a terrific rebounder and shot-blocker. Plus, he's a fluid athlete. He just needs to add a lot of strength and work on his offensive game.
reub wrote:The fact that we didn't work out DSJr. seems to be some Phil misdirection. Smith could be our guy if this scenario is true.
Possible but a high usage super athletic point guard is usually not Phil's cup of tea, especially after the failed DRose experiment.
We also have Phil's statement.
Saying he is not looking for a player that can jump out of the building or make those super athletic plays, triple doubles.
He wants a skill player.
I don't think we are looking at DSJ. I feel for us it's coming down to Ntilikina, Monk, Lauri.
reub wrote:The fact that we didn't work out DSJr. seems to be some Phil misdirection. Smith could be our guy if this scenario is true.
Some people think Orlando might have given him a draft promise.
nyknickzingis wrote:reub wrote:The fact that we didn't work out DSJr. seems to be some Phil misdirection. Smith could be our guy if this scenario is true.
Possible but a high usage super athletic point guard is usually not Phil's cup of tea, especially after the failed DRose experiment.
We also have Phil's statement.
Saying he is not looking for a player that can jump out of the building or make those super athletic plays, triple doubles.
He wants a skill player.I don't think we are looking at DSJ. I feel for us it's coming down to Ntilikina, Monk, Lauri.
That statement is idiotic because it takes skills to get triple doubles.
GustavBahler wrote:Would be awesome if Phil had Monk and Smith available at 8, and the Knicks picked one of them. Would be very lucky to have the option of one of those two players at the 8 spot. Someone we dont expect might drop as well. Going to be an interesting night.
I'm almost certain one of them will be, and if they aren't, it means someone else is going to be available that we initially thought wasn't.
Not in order but look at the mock on NBAdraft.net
Fultz
Ball
Jackson
Fox
Tatum
Isaac
DSJ
Say if Orlando takes Monk at 5 as is rumored, then Tatum drops. If Tatum drops to 6, then does a team who likes Isaac take him over Tatum? if so then does then does a team pass up on Isaac at 7?
I'm almost certain that one of Monk or DSJ will be there at 8. Now I don't know if we will take them though. We don't seem that high on Monk, and we didn't work out DSJ. Some of us have been calling the Ntilikina pick from February. He is a Phil type of guard. If Tatum or Isaac drop, I could see us take them over Frank. I think the money is on us taking the 18 year old right now.
yellowboy90 wrote:nyknickzingis wrote:reub wrote:The fact that we didn't work out DSJr. seems to be some Phil misdirection. Smith could be our guy if this scenario is true.
Possible but a high usage super athletic point guard is usually not Phil's cup of tea, especially after the failed DRose experiment.
We also have Phil's statement.
Saying he is not looking for a player that can jump out of the building or make those super athletic plays, triple doubles.
He wants a skill player.I don't think we are looking at DSJ. I feel for us it's coming down to Ntilikina, Monk, Lauri.
That statement is idiotic because it takes skills to get triple doubles.
I know, wasn't Phil's best statement, but from what I understood of it, he's not looking for a super athletic high usage point guard that monopolizes the ball. I think the DRose failure this past year has almost certainly proven that Phil's type of style of play and a point guard like that do not mesh. Look at all of Jackson's title teams, not one of them had an athletic, ball dominant, point guard on it. I would be highly surprised (in a good way) if we took DSJ, because he has talent. I really want a guard that has major talent to be matched up with KP/Willy.
nyknickzingis wrote:yellowboy90 wrote:nyknickzingis wrote:reub wrote:The fact that we didn't work out DSJr. seems to be some Phil misdirection. Smith could be our guy if this scenario is true.
Possible but a high usage super athletic point guard is usually not Phil's cup of tea, especially after the failed DRose experiment.
We also have Phil's statement.
Saying he is not looking for a player that can jump out of the building or make those super athletic plays, triple doubles.
He wants a skill player.I don't think we are looking at DSJ. I feel for us it's coming down to Ntilikina, Monk, Lauri.
That statement is idiotic because it takes skills to get triple doubles.
I know, wasn't Phil's best statement, but from what I understood of it, he's not looking for a super athletic high usage point guard that monopolizes the ball. I think the DRose failure this past year has almost certainly proven that Phil's type of style of play and a point guard like that do not mesh. Look at all of Jackson's title teams, not one of them had an athletic, ball dominant, point guard on it. I would be highly surprised (in a good way) if we took DSJ, because he has talent. I really want a guard that has major talent to be matched up with KP/Willy.
I know Phil's preference but I'm afraid his preference will not be the best for the team. Also , people categorize Smith as a high ish player but he had a lower usg% than Fox yet had a way better ast%. I think your last statement says it best, the Knicks need a guard to match up with KP/Willy. They need a guard that has range and can go to the whole so it draws help from the big leaving KP/Willy open. This draft is not about the next two years but the next 8-10 yrs.
Lastly, Dennis is a smart guy which is always a nice a tribute for any player.
nyknickzingis wrote:GustavBahler wrote:Would be awesome if Phil had Monk and Smith available at 8, and the Knicks picked one of them. Would be very lucky to have the option of one of those two players at the 8 spot. Someone we dont expect might drop as well. Going to be an interesting night.
I'm almost certain one of them will be, and if they aren't, it means someone else is going to be available that we initially thought wasn't.Not in order but look at the mock on NBAdraft.net
Fultz
Ball
Jackson
Fox
Tatum
Isaac
DSJSay if Orlando takes Monk at 5 as is rumored, then Tatum drops. If Tatum drops to 6, then does a team who likes Isaac take him over Tatum? if so then does then does a team pass up on Isaac at 7?
I'm almost certain that one of Monk or DSJ will be there at 8. Now I don't know if we will take them though. We don't seem that high on Monk, and we didn't work out DSJ. Some of us have been calling the Ntilikina pick from February. He is a Phil type of guard. If Tatum or Isaac drop, I could see us take them over Frank. I think the money is on us taking the 18 year old right now.
You're right, lots different outcomes are possible. More than I expected. We're lucky this draft has so many good players possibly available at 8.
GustavBahler wrote:Would be awesome if Phil had Monk and Smith available at 8, and the Knicks picked one of them. Would be very lucky to have the option of one of those two players at the 8 spot. Someone we dont expect might drop as well. Going to be an interesting night.
I hope he goes Smith if we're forced to go between these. I'd prefer Frank, but can see why people would want Smith. Monk is too one dimensional for my liking. I've had enough of the 20 ppg scorer who gives up 25 on the other end. Our frontcourt isn't built for that, especially if Melo stays.
Chandler wrote:for the college basketball fans, draft nerds, which candidates (at 8) are the smartest on the court. Good decisions, good passers?
In terms of IQ, it's probably Kennard. But I feel he's a reach for the lottery.
yellowboy90 wrote:the bold.. I think the only thing in this draft that is guiding Phil is a player that fits with those two long term, and those are pretty easy requirements imo. I also think they see defensive upside as valuable as offensive, and guys like Mitchell and Frank certainly show alot more than than Dennis Smith (although I do like him as well).nyknickzingis wrote:yellowboy90 wrote:nyknickzingis wrote:reub wrote:The fact that we didn't work out DSJr. seems to be some Phil misdirection. Smith could be our guy if this scenario is true.
Possible but a high usage super athletic point guard is usually not Phil's cup of tea, especially after the failed DRose experiment.
We also have Phil's statement.
Saying he is not looking for a player that can jump out of the building or make those super athletic plays, triple doubles.
He wants a skill player.I don't think we are looking at DSJ. I feel for us it's coming down to Ntilikina, Monk, Lauri.
That statement is idiotic because it takes skills to get triple doubles.
I know, wasn't Phil's best statement, but from what I understood of it, he's not looking for a super athletic high usage point guard that monopolizes the ball. I think the DRose failure this past year has almost certainly proven that Phil's type of style of play and a point guard like that do not mesh. Look at all of Jackson's title teams, not one of them had an athletic, ball dominant, point guard on it. I would be highly surprised (in a good way) if we took DSJ, because he has talent. I really want a guard that has major talent to be matched up with KP/Willy.I know Phil's preference but I'm afraid his preference will not be the best for the team. Also , people categorize Smith as a high ish player but he had a lower usg% than Fox yet had a way better ast%. I think your last statement says it best, the Knicks need a guard to match up with KP/Willy. They need a guard that has range and can go to the whole so it draws help from the big leaving KP/Willy open. This draft is not about the next two years but the next 8-10 yrs.
Lastly, Dennis is a smart guy which is always a nice a tribute for any player.
NYKBocker wrote:I would be happy with Monk. Can't get enough shooters. Then we would need Baker to get better consistent outside shot.
I would too - but I think he's going to be a top-5 pick. There is some chatter that if the Sixers can't trade down they might just draft Monk at #3 because he seems to be a perfect fit for their roster
BigDaddyG wrote:Frank N also... Frank's stats dont impress but remember he had to play mistake free or lose his minutes. Im starting to really hope we take Frank. Not because I want him, I know what you guys know, but if the Knicks take him it means they are that high on him and I have some faith in their scouting. A true stopper in the backcourt with skills is tantalizing. With his size he could be a PG type who can defend 3 spots. Thats a blue chip piece.Chandler wrote:for the college basketball fans, draft nerds, which candidates (at 8) are the smartest on the court. Good decisions, good passers?
In terms of IQ, it's probably Kennard. But I feel he's a reach for the lottery.
nyknickzingis wrote:reub wrote:The fact that we didn't work out DSJr. seems to be some Phil misdirection. Smith could be our guy if this scenario is true.
Possible but a high usage super athletic point guard is usually not Phil's cup of tea, especially after the failed DRose experiment.
We also have Phil's statement.
Saying he is not looking for a player that can jump out of the building or make those super athletic plays, triple doubles.
He wants a skill player.I don't think we are looking at DSJ. I feel for us it's coming down to Ntilikina, Monk, Lauri.
I'm not big on the DSJ/D Rose comparisons. Other than both being really athletic, they really aren't that much alike. There's a lot of PGs that DSJ can be compared to before Rose.
fishmike wrote:BigDaddyG wrote:Frank N also... Frank's stats dont impress but remember he had to play mistake free or lose his minutes. Im starting to really hope we take Frank. Not because I want him, I know what you guys know, but if the Knicks take him it means they are that high on him and I have some faith in their scouting. A true stopper in the backcourt with skills is tantalizing. With his size he could be a PG type who can defend 3 spots. Thats a blue chip piece.Chandler wrote:for the college basketball fans, draft nerds, which candidates (at 8) are the smartest on the court. Good decisions, good passers?
In terms of IQ, it's probably Kennard. But I feel he's a reach for the lottery.
I'm high on Frank also. KPs stats were underwhelming when he played in Europe at the same age. The fact that he get significant minutes and shoes improvement is the big thing. This kids decision making out of the PnR, off the ball etc. is solid. Plus, his physical growth. He's a guy you can plugin now and expect a contribution w/o worrying about offensive-defensive substitutions. I worry if Monk can even guard PGs. Can he be trusted to cover SGs in late game situations? Is his offense going to be so potential that you can live with it?
BigDaddyG wrote:and the sleeper is DMitchell who's combine scores show he's got the physical tools to be an NBA stopper as well. He's already played that role for Pitino, and if he shows some PG skills he's going to be really high on the list as well.fishmike wrote:BigDaddyG wrote:Frank N also... Frank's stats dont impress but remember he had to play mistake free or lose his minutes. Im starting to really hope we take Frank. Not because I want him, I know what you guys know, but if the Knicks take him it means they are that high on him and I have some faith in their scouting. A true stopper in the backcourt with skills is tantalizing. With his size he could be a PG type who can defend 3 spots. Thats a blue chip piece.Chandler wrote:for the college basketball fans, draft nerds, which candidates (at 8) are the smartest on the court. Good decisions, good passers?
In terms of IQ, it's probably Kennard. But I feel he's a reach for the lottery.I'm high on Frank also. KPs stats were underwhelming when he played in Europe at the same age. The fact that he get significant minutes and shoes improvement is the big thing. This kids decision making out of the PnR, off the ball etc. is solid. Plus, his physical growth. He's a guy you can plugin now and expect a contribution w/o worrying about offensive-defensive substitutions. I worry if Monk can even guard PGs. Can he be trusted to cover SGs in late game situations? Is his offense going to be so potential that you can live with it?