The Knicks Wall’s third and final mock draft features more trades than ever as New York trades up twice in a big gamble for the franchise’s future.
No small talk here. It’s the last mock draft from The Knicks Wall with six days to go. Let’s see how our victims volunteers did this time—and with whom the Knicks came away.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Isaac Okoro, small forward, Auburn: Our first two mock draft played it pretty safe and standard, but in this one, Minnesota shocks the world by taking the guy who best fits alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell and has the potential to bring the most value long term as he complements the two max players and is maximized by the lanes they create for him to wreak havoc around the rim. Would the Wolves have liked to trade back in order to make this move? Of course they would’ve, but with no deal on the table, they throw caution to the wind and get their guy.
2. New York Knicks (TRADE)
Details: New York trades the eighth overall pick and Mitchell Robinson to Golden State for the second pick.
LaMelo Ball, point guard, Illawarra Hawks:
If you have ever experienced immediate regret in your life, you know how I felt once I agreed to this trade. Love you Mitch—but still, LaMelo is electric and the Knicks are in desperate need of a jolt.
3. Charlotte Hornets
James Wiseman, center, Memphis: There are a lot of rumors and buzz about what Charlotte could be doing with this pick. Many of those rumors are built around the idea of the Hornets taking a big man to anchor their future along with the fun young players they have in Charlotte. If Wiseman is there at no. 3 and they don’t have to give up anything else, that is a no-brainer pick for Michael Jordan and co.
4. New Orleans Pelicans (TRADE)
Details: New Orleans trades Lonzo Ball and the 13th pick for the fourth overall pick from Chicago.
Anthony Edwards, shooting guard, Georgia: With Anthony Edwards still on the board at 4, New Orleans cashes in some of their many assets to grab a guard with star shotmaking potential to go along with the all-around game of Brandon Ingram and the voracious rim-devouring of Zion Williamson. Stan Van Gundy is a defensive-minded coach, and has a chance to teach two of the most moldable athletic balls of clay in the league (Zion and Edwards) into effective defenders and devastating downhill scorers.
— Eli
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Obi Toppin, power forward, Dayton: The Cavs need excitement, and what better way than by keeping Obi Toppin, the best player in college basketball this season, in Ohio long term? The defense would be atrocious, but his offense is legit and Cleveland just needs frontcourt talent.
— Eli
6. Atlanta Hawks
Devin Vassell, small forward, Florida State: Stuck after Okoro was taken first overall and a rebuffed Bradley Beal trade offer, the Hawks go safe and take Vassell, who offers the combination of shooting and defense needed alongside Trae Young and Kevin Huerter. While he may start his career off on the bench, it gives the Hawks another asset to use in a potential big trade down the line.
7. Boston Celtics (TRADE)
Details: Detroit trades the seventh overall pick for all three of Boston’s first-round picks (nos. 14, 26, 30).
Onyeka Okongwu, center, USC: The Celtics trade up to grab one of the best centers on the board. While the game has evolved past the need for an elite center, Okongwu has the size, speed and defensive awareness to be an effective weapon on both sides of the ball for the Celtics.
— Quentin
8. Golden State Warriors (via New York)
Deni Avdija, small forward, Maccabi Tel Aviv: The Warriors move back, add Mitchell Robinson, and then acquire the best player on the board in Avdija. The addition of Robinson gives them a long-term option at the center position, while Deni’s ability to impact the game without scoring could be a key piece in elongating Golden State’s championship aspirations.
— Quentin
(To recall, the Knicks sent Robinson and no. 8 to the Warriors for no. 2.)
9. Washington Wizards
Killian Hayes, point guard, ratiopharm Ulm: John Wall is back! But who knows what he will look like! With the top options of Vassell and Okongwu off the board, the Wizards ignore fit and take a guy who can spend a couple years learning under one of the best point guards in the game (in his prime), and who can be a really nice complement to Bradley Beal should Wall get hurt again.
— Eli
10. New Orleans Pelicans (TRADE)
Details: New Orleans sends Jrue Holiday to Phoenix for Kelly Oubre Jr., no. 10, and a 2021 lottery-protected pick (conveys to 2022 top-seven protected).
Tyrese Haliburton, guard, Iowa State: This is probably selling low on Jrue, I get that, but after getting Anthony Edwards at four, the Pelicans round out their starting five with younger, better(?) Lonzo Ball. This one has all the same playmaking vision and most of the defense, but comes in a better shooter and leader on the court. The Suns could be a playoff team with Holiday, but it’s unlikely they’re more than the eighth seed, which makes their lottery-protected pick in the loaded 2021 draft pretty valuable.
— Eli
11. San Antonio Spurs
Patrick Williams, forward, Florida State: The Spurs are reportedly trying to make some big moves, but if they don’t, they would love for Patrick Williams to fall into their lap. Williams has flown up nearly everybody’s draft board and has all the potential in the world. San Antonio would be chomping at the bit to try to develop him alongside their young guards.
— Nick
12. Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Maxey, point guard, Kentucky: Maxey proved to be proficient off the ball at Kentucky. Playing alongside De’Aaron Fox is much more exciting than playing alongside Ashton Hagans. I believe Fox and Maxey would make for a fun pairing. Maxey could be the bulldog defensive captain while Fox captains the offensive attack.
— Mike
13. Chicago Bulls (via New Orleans)
Aaron Nesmith, shooting guard, Vanderbilt: The Bulls are in that weird “we don’t need anything, but we do” position. Lonzo addresses the point guard need that many think they wish to address, doing so with a low maintenance offensive option, making the fit with Zach LaVine and Coby White that much easier. It is for that reason I think the Bulls can go for Nesmith whose shooting ceiling is the sky.
— Mike
(To recall, the Pelicans sent Lonzo Ball and the 13th pick to take Anthony Edwards at no. 4.)
14. Detroit Pistons (via Boston)
Kira Lewis Jr., point guard, Alabama: Detroit is something of a blank slate going forward, which leaves a lot of versatility in what they can do. Trading for additional picks gives them a higher chance of adding future pieces to their core. A lightning quick point guard would be a great place for them to start, no matter what direction they end up moving.
— Nick
(To recall, the Pistons nabbed the Celtics’ trio of first-round picks for no. 7.)
15. Orlando Magic
R.J. Hampton, guard, New Zealand Breakers: There are a lot of options for what the Magic can do—and who they will keep and who they will trade. No matter what they do, Orlando can use additional guard play and at this pick. R.J. Hampton is the best player available to fill that need.
— Nick
16. Portland Trail Blazers
Saddiq Bey, guard/forward, Villanova: This is a no brainer. If the Blazers had one spot to improve on it was at the forward position. Adding a two-way sniper like Saddiq Bey makes the Blazers that much more dangerous. Dame, C.J., Gary Trent, and Bey could prove to be a lethal attack in that wild Western Conference.
— Mike
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Brooklyn)
Desmond Bane, shooting guard, TCU: After taking a bad shooter in Okoro, Bane would be a perfect way to round out the wing rotation, putting another solid defender next to D’Lo, but this time, one who can really shoot it. Culver and Okogie might feel a little squeezed out, but neither have proven themselves enough to claim a starting spot, and either one could make an interesting trade chip to try to land a frontcourt partner for KAT.
— Eli
18. Dallas Mavericks
Tyrell Terry, point guard, Stanford: With Luka Doncic as the lead offensive weapon in Dallas, the Mavericks need to maximize the spot alongside him with shooting. Terry brings that in droves and could be an effective weapon off the bench, before moving into the starting lineup and offering good shooting and solid playmaking alongside one of the league’s bright young stars.
— Quentin
19. Brooklyn Nets (via Philadelphia)
Josh Green, shooting guard, Arizona: This pick does two things for the Nets: it bolsters their roster with a 3-and-D wing in Josh Green, as well as gives them some versatility depending on what happens this offseason with Joe Harris/Spencer Dinwiddie/Caris LaVert. For a team in a position to win now, they want to give themselves as many options as possible.
— Nick
20. Miami Heat
Cole Anthony, point guard, UNC: I am a staunch believer that Cole Anthony will be a good player as long as he goes to the right team. Miami is that right team. The possibility of Cole being a Dragic understudy only makes me like this pick even more.
— Mike
21. Philadelphia 76ers (via OKC)
Malachi Flynn, point guard, SDSU: Flynn and the Sixers seem like a match made in heaven. Flynn can create shots for himself and others easily, is a monster pick-and-roll player, which he could run with Embiid or Simmons, and works his tail off defensively. This is one of the best fits in the draft, in my opinion.
— Eli
22. Washington Wizards (TRADE)
Details: Denver is trading Gary Harris, Keita Bates-Diop, Michael Porter Jr., Bol Bol, and the 22nd pick to Washington for Bradley Beal and Moritz Wagner.
Aleksej Pokusevski, power forward, Olympiacos B: When I started this draft, did I intend to make the Wizards the weirdest, funkiest, most fun team in the league? Absolutely not. I rebuffed several trade offers for Beal, including one from the Nets that was probably a better package, but this one, combined with Poku still being on the board, was too wild to resist. The Wizards now have three of the highest-ceilings but also highest-variance players in the league Poku, Michael Porter Jr. and Bol Bol, plus Killian Hayes, John Wall, Gary Harris, Rui Hachimura, Troy Brown Jr., and Davis Bertans (if they can re-sign him).
What does that all add up to? I have no frickin’ clue, but I’d be excited to find out.
— Eli
23. New York Knicks (TRADE)
Details: New York is sending three picks (nos. 27 and 38, Dallas’ 2023 first-round pick) to Utah for the 23rd pick.
Precious Achiuwa, power forward, Memphis: Did I pay too much? Probably. But Precious slipping into the 20’s and the sudden need for a big creates an opportunity to find a replacement immediately. Precious’ future in the league looks to be as a small-ball five—and a good lob partner for LaMelo.
— Mike
24. Detroit Pistons (TRADE)
Details: Milwaukee is sending Eric Bledsoe and no. 24 to Detroit for Derrick Rose and Luke Kennard.
Isaiah Stewart, power forward, Washington: With this move, the Pistons are able to add another pick and try to help bolster the new rebuild in Detroit. Isaiah Stewart is exactly what they need as a a solid player that looks to be a decent NBA player going forward, which is something the Pistons desperately need. With his long wingspan, he should be able to make up for being a bit undersized and would be a smart pick in Detroit.
— Nick
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Denver)
Jaden McDaniels, small forward, Washington: Pretty easy choice for McDaniels, who fits everything the Thunder love in a player: long, athletic, some flashes of shot-creation, good defensive instincts. He’s a bit of an upside swing who could play nicely with Shai and Darius Bazley even if he doesn’t reach his ceiling.
— Eli
26. Detroit Pistons (via Boston)
Leandro Bolmaro, guard, FC Barcelona: With the now three first-round picks, the Pistons gave themselves some opportunity to take swings with these picks. Bolmaro would be a perfect complement to taking Lewis Jr. with his high upside playmaking. He will not be coming over immediately, which is fine, with Detroit having no intention to win immediately, but he is a long-term piece that could help out in the future.
— Nick
(To recall, the Pistons nabbed the Celtics’ trio of first-round picks for no. 7.)
27. Utah Jazz (via New York)
Isaiah Joe, shooting guard, Arkansas: Acquiring additional picks for 23 was a no-brainer move for Utah with no immediate need. Taking Isaiah Joe on top of the additional picks is a cherry on top. He is a potent shooter with limitless range and potential high value late in the first because of his offense. He is a great pick to come off the bench immediately and produce for the Jazz. He also helps fill some of the offensive role that Jordan Clarkson brought, if Utah does not keep him this offseason.
— Nick
(To recall, the Knicks sent their two later picks and a Mavs pick to the Jazz to take Precious Achiuwa at 23.)
28. Los Angeles Lakers
Grant Riller, point guard, Charleston: Riller is one of the oldest players in the draft as a fifth-year senior out of the College of Charleston. With his complete offensive game he projects to at the very least provide bench scoring and should do so immediately. He would help give the Lakers exactly what they need with some additional offensive firepower off the bench and a guy who is ready to contribute immediately as L.A. attempts to repeat.
— Nick
29. Toronto Raptors
Jalen Smith, power forward, Maryland: This is way too far of a fall for Jalen Smith. The Raptors would be blessed to land such a strong replacement for Marc Gasol at 29.
— Mike
30. Detroit Pistons (via Boston)
Tyler Bey, small forward, Colorado: As with the earlier picks, the Pistons need competent NBA players. The more the merrier, and Tyler Bey is someone that looks to fill a role for them going forward and his defense is enough to make him an intriguing fit and good value at this pick as a potential 3-and-D projection.
— Nick
(To recall, the Pistons nabbed the Celtics’ trio of first-round picks for no. 7.)
31. Dallas Mavericks (via Golden State)
Xavier Tillman, center, Michigan State: After selecting Tyrell Terry in round one, the Mavericks snatch Xavier Tillman in round two. The do-it-all big man could offer the Mavericks different looks alongside their current big man duo of Maxi Kleber and Kristaps Porzingis and could find himself indispensable within a year or two.
— Quentin
32. Charlotte Hornets (via Cleveland)
Nico Mannion, point guard, Arizona: A big name college player from a big time college program is right up the Hornets’ alley if their recent draft history is any indication. Mannion gives them a high upside pick at 32 that would be able to excite the fan base.
— Nick
33. Minnesota Timberwolves
Theo Maledon, point guard, ASVEL: The Wolves still need more shooting and ball-handling, and Theo Maledon projects as a guy at 6’5″ who could play either guard spot and offer outside shooting and some playmaking. Minnesota needs a better backup point guard, and his fit with Josh Okogie is fun.
— Eli
34. Philadelphia 76ers (via Atlanta)
Robert Woodard II, small forward, Michigan State: The Sixers have one of the worst wing rotations of any teams with serious playoff aspirations. Woodard is a good athlete who can shoot the ball and play defense. Philadelphia needs as many of those guys as they can get their hands on.
— Eli
35. Sacramento Kings (via Detroit)
Killian Tillie, power forward, Gonzaga: It’s never a bad idea to add a good shooting big next to De’Aaron Fox. Killian Tillie is just that and gives the Kings yet another shooter to space the floor.
— Mike
36. Philadelphia 76ers (via New York)
Zeke Nnaji, center, Arizona: A little bit more shooting for the Sixers! Zeke (and Daryl Morey) are praying that the Sixers find a way to get off Horford’s money, and if they do, Nnaji is an interesting upside play for them, as a seven-footer who can space the floor and be an energetic defensive playmaker.
— Eli
37. Washington Wizards
Jah’mius Ramsey shooting guard, Texas Tech: To add to the Wizards confusion, one of the more confounding players in the draft. Ramsey has really interesting shot-making and the frame of a great defender, but has some questions about his decision making and instincts. The weird just get weirder.
— Eli
38. Utah Jazz (via New York)
Yam Madar, point guard, Israel: Having collected additional picks and already taken Isaiah Joe who can help immediately, the Jazz have some availability to take a swing here. Madar is the perfect player to do that, with Conley’s long-term future a question, the Jazz are taking a point guard prospect with potential elite defense and high-level flashy playmaking. The Jazz have a good developmental history and would be a nice landing place for the Israeli point-guard project who they would not need to come over immediately.
— Nick
(To recall, the Knicks sent their two later picks and a Mavs pick to the Jazz to take Precious Achiuwa at 23.)
39. New Orleans Pelicans (via Washington)
Devon Dotson, point guard, Kansas: On such a young team, an older, poised rookie could be a blessing. Dotson would be the backup point guard and hopefully, with Haliburton, a vocal leader in the locker room. He’s tough as nails and would be a fun complement to Nickeil Alexander-Walker off the bench.
— Eli
40. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix)
Cassius Stanley, shooting guard Duke: The Memphis Grizzlies could use some additional upside on their roster and Stanley offers that at pick 40. At Duke, Stanley flashed solid athleticism, shooting, and a desire to impact the game defensively. With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in place, his role will be modified to more of a 3-and-D role to keep defenses honest.
— Quentin
Check out the first version of this year’s mock draft from The Knicks Wall along with the 2.0 mock draft and all of our 2020 draft content here. Stay tuned on draft night next week when TKW goes live on Twitch!
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Ed. note: This post was updated to include the explanation of the Devin Vassell pick.
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