STEVE POPPER

NBA Draft: New York Knicks get a chance to change their fortunes

Steve Popper delivers his last-minute NBA Mock draft and considers whether the Knicks might trade up. But none of that matters when LeBron James is a free agent.

Steve Popper
NorthJersey
Arizona's DeAndre Ayton, left, speaks to reporters during a media availability with the top basketball prospects in the NBA Draft, Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

It’s Draft Night for the NBA, but the most intriguing names on the market remain LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George – a trio of stars who could shift the balance of power in the league if they decide to move, maybe even teaming up to form a super team in Los Angeles.

But for a few hours the focus will shift to the future and the possibilities with a deep pool of prospects briefly raising hopes for the future for the NBA’s best tanking teams. Here’s our look at how the lottery might fall.

The picks

1. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton  

No mystery here as the Suns move forward by reaching back with the closest thing to a traditional center in the draft - a 7-1, 260-pound big who can block shots, post up and also shoot.

2. Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III 

Tough choice for a franchise that has made a lot of mistakes. But Begley is athletic, long and skilled. The success of Duke’s Jayson Tatum in Boston shows the one-and-done progress of Duke’s program.

FILE - In this May 20, 2018, file photo, Real Madrid's Luka Doncic (7) reacts with teammate Trey Thompkins after winning their Final Four Euroleague final basketball match against Fenerbahce, in Belgrade, Serbia. The Slovenian guard heads the list of international players expected to be selected in the NBA draft. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File)

3. Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic  

The rebuilding Hawks need a star and the MVP of the EuroLeague is the most accomplished European player since perhaps Drazen Petrovic - and just 19 years old.

4. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr.  

This pick has been very openly shopped by the Grizzlies, who believe they are still in win-now mode. 

5. Dallas Mavericks: Mo Bamba  

They’d love Doncic to fall here, but Bamba is an intriguing prospect - a 7-foot-10 wingspan and the ability to step outside and shoot 3’s.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, file photo, Texas forward Mohamed Bamba (4) grabs a rebound from Texas A&M forward Robert Williams (44) in the second half of a college basketball charity game in Houston, to benefit the Rebuild Texas Relief Fund. The Longhorns were embarrassed by a last-place finish in the Big 12 last season. But coach Shaka Smart thinks he can turn it around behind top recruits Mo Bamba and Matt Coleman. (Tim Warner/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

6. Orlando Magic: Trae Young  

He’s not Stephen Curry, but he is a scoring machine who has not gotten enough publicity for his passing acumen. 

7. Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter Jr. 

Injuries have raised red flags, but a complete offensive package, ability to shoot from distance and soar to the rim.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander  

With the uncertainty over LeBron James’ status, the Cavs shake up the draft by reaching for 6-foot-6 Kentucky point guard. While Collin Sexton would be an instant defensive force, the mix of talents here is alluring.

9. New York Knicks: Kevin Knox  

Back to back Kentucky players with the Knicks passing on the more ready prospects like Mikal Bridges and Wendell Carter Jr. to pluck the 18-year-old wing, since they are so far from competing.

FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2018, file photo, Kentucky forward Kevin Knox (5) dribbles the ball against South Carolina forward Justin Minaya (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbia, S.C. Knox is a possible pick in Thursday's NBA Draft.(AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Mikal Bridges  

Hometown hero a perfect fit for Sixers (besides his mom working for the organization). He is an unselfish star talent who defends and scores inside and out, but doesn’t need the ball.

11. Charlotte Hornets: Wendell Carter Jr.  

He could go as high as No. 6, but if he falls the Hornets can’t pass on him.

12. Los Angeles Clippers: Collin Sexton

A suitable replacement for Chris Paul at point guard, a tough as nails defender without Paul’s offense arsenal, but some inside-outside punch.

13. Los Angeles Clippers: Miles Bridges

The Michigan State sophomore is a ready for the NBA forward, even if he’s a bit of a tweener.

14. Denver Nuggets: Lonnie Walker IV  

Another talented offensive-minded guard for the Nuggets, who seem to be piling them up. 

A musical interlude for the dreaming lottery teams:

Who could slip into the lottery?

Worth keeping an eye on Robert Williams and Zhaire Smith.

How confident am I in my picks?

As confident I am of the Knicks and Nets battling for the Eastern Conference title this year.

Will the Knicks really trade up?

The new regime takes its first shot at a draft and it's certainly tempting to move up for a potential star. But patience has repeatedly been preached and if a deal means taking on contracts that extend beyond this season – think Memphis and the nearly $50 million owed to Chandler Parsons over the next two season – that spoils the plans to be active in the 2019 free agent market. 

\A basketball fan holds up a sign referencing New York Knicks player Kristaps Porzingis before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.

Are the Nets done with the Celtics giveaway yet?

Sigh. Almost. But the Brooklyn Nets don't pick until No. 29 this year, the last penance paid for the sins of Billy King.

Speaking of the Nets, how about the Mets possible trades?

Seems like a reach, but the Mets could find themselves on the Celtics side of the equation if they decide to move one of their star pitchers. The Mets, saddled with contracts they likely regret right now, could move one of those deals or replenish their young talent base with a deal. 

Email: popper@northjersey.com

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