The New York Knicks are looking at the No. 9 overall pick in the NBA Draft after another disappointing season.
However, they also have to deal with a massive injury to star Kristaps Porzingis, who may miss the season with a knee injury and could affect how new head coach David Fizdale handles the draft.
New York has already expressed interested in several prospects, including Michigan State's Miles Bridges and Oklahoma's Trae Young, but Duke big man Wendell Carter Jr. actually makes the most sense as their top target and Porzingis' long-term running mate, according to Fansided's Maxwell Ogden.
Amongst the available big men, Carter may actually fit what the Knicks are building better than any of his peers—and that’s reason enough to consider drafting him.
In theory, Carter could be a Kyle O’Quinn style big who has the athleticism and range to play 30-plus minutes per game. Moreover: He could be the big who helps alleviate pressure from Kristaps Porzingis on both ends of the floor.
David Fizdale needs an elbow facilitator, Porzingis needs a versatile defender, and the Knicks need a big who won’t cost them upwards of $10 million per season.
Carter is big and strong enough to play center, yet is also athletic enough and has enough touch on his jumper to play power forward. Fundamentally sound, he can do everything he wants on the court. However, his ability to excel down low as a rebounder, rim protector, post scorer, and post passer makes him an ideal fit as Porzingis' frontcourt partner.
If he didn't play alongside Bagley at Duke, we'd be talking about Carter as a potential top-five pick - making him a great value for the Knicks should he fall to No. 9.
The 6-foot-10, 260-pounder averaged 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 2.0 assists per game as a freshman for the Blue Devils last season.
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