Knicks mock draft: Ryan Dunn, Terrence Shannon Jr. headline best 2024 NBA prospects to pair with Jalen Brunson | Sporting News United Kingdom

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 its season to continue. All-Star forward Julius Randle, two-way star O.G. Anunoby, reserve big man Mitchell Robinson and veteran forward Bojan Bogdanovic all suffered playoff-ending ailments.

Josh Hart played through an abdominal strain and superstar guard Jalen Brunson fractured his hand in the Knicks’ final game against the Pacers.

New York was left with a “what could have been,” watching Indiana get swept by Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals.

As they prepare to re-tool their roster for another push next season, who should the Knicks take in the 2024 NBA Draft?

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What 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 No. 24 overall pick comes from the Mavericks in the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas back in 2019.

Who should Knicks select in 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 do not expect the Knicks to keep both of their first-round picks,” per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

It is more likely New York will try to trade one for a future first-round pick to gain another trade asset down the line.

With that being said, here are a few players the Knicks could consider with either (or both) of their draft picks.

MORE: O.G. Anunoby, Isaiah Hartenstein free agency headline New York’s offseason

Nos. 25 and 26 overall

Ryan Dunn, Virginia

Dunn and Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau feel like a match made in heaven. The Virginia sophomore is widely considered to be the best defensive specialist in the draft as a 6-7 forward with a 7-2 wingspan.

Dunn is a suffocating on-ball defender. He can also play the passing lanes and create havoc with active hands and strong anticipation off the ball. Dunn doesn’t bring much to the table offensively and he only hit 12 3-pointers in two college seasons, but there is no doubt that Thibodeau could maximize his potential in New York’s rotation.

Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois

If the Knicks elect to find some help on the offensive end, Shannon would be a great fit. The Illinois senior saved his best college 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 some 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 in the open market. It could be wise for the Knicks to target a big man for insurance in case Hartenstein walks.

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 it already has in Robinson.

Kyle Filipowski, Duke

Both of New York’s big men were traditional rim-running centers 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’s hyper-competitive and still has untapped potential after a plateauing sophomore season.

Jaylon Tyson, California

Anunoby has a player option for the 2024-25 season, so the Knicks might need wing depth. Tyson would provide another ball-handler with the size to play the 1, 2 or 3.

The 21-year-old junior 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.