Stefan Bondy makes his prediction on the gamers the Knicks will choose with their two first-round picks within the 2024 NBA Draft which begins on Wednesday:
No 24. Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana
At 7-feet with a powerful wingspan and comparisons to Jarrett Allen, Ware is a professional rim protector and Tom Thibodeau-type heart because the Knicks search for insurance coverage for the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson.
He flew into New York for a exercise in entrance of Thibodeau simply two days earlier than the draft, suggesting the next stage of curiosity.
There are two potential issues: 1) Ware didn’t present a lot confidence or aggression at Indiana, which could possibly be an issue below Thibodeau, and a pair of) Ware must fall from his projections to land with the Knicks.
No. 25. Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia
A top-shelf wing defender who overachieved and improved in school after being an under-recruited prospect in highschool.
His protection will translate to the NBA, however Dunn’s NBA success can be outlined by his capturing enhancements.
He was poor offensively at Virginia, and can get pulled off the ground — or relegated to a defensive substitution — if he can’t hit an open jumper.
The Knicks have made just a few defense-first draft alternatives just lately (Frank Ntilikina, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Quentin Grimes, Jericho Sims), and Dunn could possibly be one other one.