The New York Knicks are years away from contending, but if the team wants to get out of the basement of the NBA, then hitting on the draft has to start now. Despite finishing as one of the worst teams in the NBA last year, the Knicks hold the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. History shows that the Knicks could go another year swinging and missing.

The last five first round picks drafted by the Knicks are as follows: RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, Kristaps Porzinges, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Porzingis and Hardaway Jr both play for the Dallas Mavericks now, while Knox and Ntilikina look like a bust. If the Knicks want to change the narrative, these three picks would be their best bet.

Safe Play: Tyrese Haliburton-Iowa State

What is important in learning to play online roulette at casinogurus.com is that when you see a high reward,  you have to understand the high risk. The Knicks have been living by this philosophy for years when it comes to addressing the point guard position. Ntilikina seemed like an international darling, but has turned into a major flop, averaging barely four points per game. The Knicks need to play it safe when addressing this position, and Tyrese Haliburton is the extremely safe play. 

Haliburton is a 6-foot-5, 175-pound point guard that could solve the Knicks primarily ball handling problem. As a freshman, he was the only NCAA Division I true freshman, other than Zion Williamson, to finish with at least 50 steals and 30 blocks. Then, as a sophomore he averaged 15.2 points, 6.5 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game. He can do it all against quality competition in the Big 12 Conference. You know what you get with him, which is why the Knicks should make Haliburton their first choice.

Hopeful Play: Killian Hayes-International

According to ESPN’s Big Board, Hayes is rated as the No. 10 overall prospect, but some reporters believe that he could be gone in the top-5. If Hayes is available at No. 8, it would be worth looking at. Again, the Knicks were burned by Ntilikina, but Hayes is more of a proven player.

Last November, Hayes became the youngest layer to ever record a double-double in the EuroCup, the youngest since Ricky Rubio. The pandemic forced the BBL to suspend the season,where he finished the season with averages of 11.6 points, 5.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in 33 combined games played. Ntilikina played nowhere near this level when he played in the EuroLeague, so don’t feel the PTSD here. Hayes is legit and could be the solution to the Knicks point guard woes. 

Stretch Play: Devin Vassell-Florida State

The Knicks could hope that Elfrid Payton returns to full health and look for a shooting guard to complement RJ Barrett. Vassell is a 6-foot-7 shooting guard that shot 41.7% from three point range on 168 attempts. He spent some time at point guard, but it was not his natural position. However, he was a defensive force, ending with 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. 
This would not be the ideal choice for the Knicks considering how Kevin Knox has panned out, but there are variables to see how this would be seen as a good fit. However, the Knicks have interest, so it’s not completely out of the realm.

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