The New York Knicks came into draft week not owning one single pick. Before it was all said and done they came out with three second round picks on draft day.
The Knicks wheeled and dealed on Wednesday to acquire two second round picks from the Dallas Mavericks through the Tyson Chandler Trade. The Knicks came out with two great picks that fans look to contribute early to the squad.
With the 34th overall pick, the Knicks took Wichita State Shockers Forward Cleanthony Early. The New York native just came off a college season in which he lead the Shockers to a 34-0 regular season record. In college, Early was a consensus second team All-American in 2014 and a two-time First team All-MVC selection in 2013 and 2014. Early is a talented scorer and tremendous athlete with a 40 inch vertical. The Knicks fans cheered loudly when Early was picked by the orange and blue.
As a senior, the 23 year old averaged 16.3 points and 6.0 rebounds on the season, shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three point line. Early shined during the NCAA Tournament scoring a total of 54 points between two games, including 31 in a losing effort versus Kentucky, but Early proved his worth.
The other two picks by the Knicks are solid, Early is seemingly a steal with getting picked at 34. The Knicks also acquired the brother of the “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo at number 51; Thanasis Antetokounmpo, small forward from the D-League, Delaware 87ers. Thanasis does not have as much upside or offensive prowess as his brother but he does have great physical tools that allows him to dominate in transition on both ends of the court. He thrives as a lockdown defender with plenty of explosiveness and the tremendous ability to finish plays at the rim. He can get around the court fairly easily and finish in close while receiving a pass even if the pass isn’t the most accurate.
The final Knicks pick of the night was purchased from the Indiana Pacers and at number 57, they acquired Louis Labeyrie, Power Forward/Center from France. This seems like a draft and stash and he is not expected to come to the NBA anytime soon.
