New York Knicks draft Duke prospect, elite defender in new mock draft | Sporting News

The NBA Draft is a week away, and teams are attempting to solidify their draft boards.

The New York Knicks own the 24th and 25th picks in the first round and the 38th overall pick in second-round pick. But this year’s draft may be even more fluid than usual.

The Knicks are reportedly exploring trade scenarios with these picks — insiders expect them to move at least one of their picks. However, if the Knicks keep their picks, they may seek more experienced, NBA-ready players.

In a new mock draft from The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, the Knicks take Duke big man Kyle Filipowski with the 24th pick and Virginia forward Ryan Dunn with the 25th pick.

Vecenie writes of Filipowski: 

“Filipowski can shoot from 3, attack heavy closeouts and bring the ball up the court in grab-and-go situations. His passing took a leap this past season, and he was more comfortable reading the court.”

According to Vecenie, Filipowski can play both power forward or center, meaning he could pair well with the Knicks’ big men or potentially play center as a reserve.

Meanwhile, Vecenie writes what many others are saying of Dunn: he is an elite defender whose offense needs work.

“Dunn is one of the best defensive players I’ve ever evaluated. He is a genuine All-Defense candidate long-term if his offense becomes sufficient to stay on the court … Offense is the big question. Dunn did not play confidently on that end of the court by the end of the season and seemed to get rid of the ball quickly.”

According to Vecenie, Dunn has performed well offensively in pre-draft workouts, leading some to think that he can improve on that end in the NBA.

Dunn’s defensive ability has led some NBA draft experts to think that he’d have a shot to crack Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.

Like others, Vecenie notes that the Knicks may attempt to flip one of their picks for future assets.

With the 38th pick, Vecenie has the Knicks taking Houston point guard Jamal Shead. Shead is considered a strong playmaking guard with defensive abilities who needs to improve his outside shot at the NBA level.