In the latest 2019 NBA mock draft, the Knicks landed Murray State's Ja Morant.
Move over Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett. There’s a new potential star future Knicks rookie to talk about: Ja Morant.
In CBS Sports’ latest mock draft, the Murray State product was mocked to the Knicks with the No. 2 overall selection–ahead of Barrett and just after Williamson.
Here’s what the site said about the player and selection.
Is Dennis Smith Jr. the fix New York needed at point guard? Maybe, maybe not. But with Ja Morant on the board at No. 2, you simply can’t pass. He’s the best passer in this year’s class by a mile — he leads the NCAA in assists per game and assist rate — and has athleticism rivaling that of Zion’s, a rare trait for a point guard that will elicit comparisons to Russell Westbrook. Even with a good-not-great shot (which has improved a tick from last season at Murray State), he’s worth taking for the Knicks regardless of where the franchise feels on Smith Jr. If Morant can improve his accuracy shooting the ball on the perimeter, which should come with time, he’ll validate this top-two selection.
While it feels like many Knicks fans have had their sights set on one of the Duke stars, Morant is far from a consolation prize.
Morant is averaging 24.4 points, 10.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game this season for Murray State.
If Morant arrives, the Knicks could potentially pass on Kyrie Irving in free agency and focus two max deals on wing players like, say, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson. Or New York could pair two point guards in the back court with Morant and Irving, while still pursuing Durant.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.