The Knicks are one of five teams with two first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
New York is coming off a competitive exit in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where injuries became insurmountable for the season to continue. All-Star forward Julius Randle, two-way star OG Anunoby, backup big man Mitchell Robinson and veteran forward Bojan Bogdanovic suffered playoff-ending ailments.
Josh Hart played with an abdominal strain and superstar guard Jalen Brunson broke his hand in the Knicks’ last game against the Pacers.
New York was left with “what could have been,” watching Indiana get swept by Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals.
As they prepare to reshape their roster for another push next season, who should the Knicks draft in the 2024 NBA Draft?
Which 2024 NBA Draft picks do the Knicks have?
The Knicks have two first-round picks and one second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
- No. 24 overall (via DAL)
- No. 25 overall
- No. 38 overall (via UTA)
New York’s 24th overall pick comes from the Mavericks in the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas in 2019.
Who should the Knicks select in the 2024 NBA Draft?
The Knicks are trying to win now, so it wouldn’t make much sense to add two rookies to their roster. “Most teams don’t expect the Knicks to keep their two first-round picks.” according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
It’s more likely that New York will try to trade one for a future first-round pick to get another trade asset down the road.
That said, here are some players the Knicks could consider with either (or both) of their draft picks.
Nos. 25 and 26 overall
Ryan Dunn, Virginia
Dunn and Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau feel like a perfect fit. The sophomore from Virginia is widely considered the best defensive specialist in the draft as a 6-7 forward with a 7-2 wingspan.
Dunn is a suffocating defender on the ball. He can also play in the passing lanes and create chaos with active hands and great ball anticipation. Dunn doesn’t add much to the offense and only made 12 3-pointers in two college seasons, but there’s no doubt Thibodeau could maximize his potential in New York’s rotation.
Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois
If the Knicks choose to find help on the offensive end, Shannon would be a great fit. The Illinois senior saved his best collegiate campaign for last, averaging 23.0 points per game while leading his team to the Elite Eight.
Shannon is a prolific three-level scorer with an explosive first step. The 23-year-old could provide New York with much-needed firepower off the bench.
Yves Missi, Baylor
Knicks starting center Isaiah Hartenstein is an unrestricted free agent and is expected to be a hot commodity on the open market. It might be wise for the Knicks to target a big man as insurance in case Hartenstein leaves.
Missi could be a fun project for Thibodeau’s staff as an athletic, rim-protecting center. At nearly 6-11 with a 7-2 wingspan, Missi would give New York a similar high-energy, lob-catching presence that she already has in Robinson.
Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Both of New York’s big men were traditional centers who ran the rim last season. Filipowski would add a different element to the Knicks’ frontcourt.
The 20-year-old is a skilled 6-11 forward who can shoot, pass and dribble better than most players his size. He is hypercompetitive and still has untapped potential after a stagnant sophomore season.
Jaylon Tyson, California
Anunoby has a player option for the 2024-25 season, so the Knicks could need depth on the wings. Tyson would provide another ball handler with the size to play the 1, 2 or 3.
The 21-year-old is a jack of all trades who can score, set up his teammates and defend multiple positions. Hart could give Tyson the blueprint on how to succeed at the NBA level.
