The New York Knicks have the No. 50 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
New York is more than likely going to use that pick to snag a big guy.
In a new mock draft released Tuesday, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman had the Knicks selecting a six-foot-eleven, 255-pound center out of Kentucky, a player whom Wasserman compared to former Knick and current Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein.
The prospect? England native Amari Williams.
“There is bound to be interest in a big that can initiate breaks, average 3.2 assists, finish plays and bring defensive activity,” Wasserman wrote. “Amari Williams’ playmaking and unique skill set at the 5 should outweigh his lack of shooting.”
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The Knicks’ system under head coach Tom Thibodeau prioritizes defensive intensity and playmaking, thriving with players like Williams who can anchor the paint and facilitate from the post.
Hartenstein’s tenure in New York showcased how a mobile, defensive-minded center can elevate the team’s grit, and the Knicks’ coaching staff has a knack for maximizing big men with hustle.
Williams’s size and passing ability could make him a plug-and-play option, filling a role similar to Hartenstein’s—setting screens, cleaning the glass, and sparking fast breaks. His defensive activity aligns with Thibodeau’s schemes, which emphasize rim protection and versatility.
Drafting Williams could address New York’s need for cost-controlled depth amid a tight salary cap. While not a shooter, his multifaceted skill set fits the Knicks’ ethos: toughness wins games.
If Williams channels even a fraction of Hartenstein’s impact, he could be a steal at No. 50 overall.
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