Nobody Freak Out About November Mock Drafts But The Knicks Drafting Bol Bol Would Be Terrible
Nope. No thank you. Please pass. I say this as a Knicks fan who probably watches too much college basketball and for sure reads too much about the Draft. I’m out on Bol Bol to the Knicks. Yell at me as you please, but first let me argue my side of the point.
First, the Knicks don’t need Bol Bol unless you’re worried about Kristaps Prozingis. If you’re drafting in the top-5 like the Knicks likely will, you don’t draft Bol with the current roster. Think about it. You have Porzingis and Robinson already on the roster + who knows if they re-sign Enes. On top of that, you can really play Knox at the 4 or 3 depending on your lineups. You don’t need Bol Bol.
Second, I’m worried about Bol at the next level because of his size and lack of fundamentals in the post defensively. Yes, he’s a freak when it comes to being a unicorn. His shot is for real and he can absolutely step out and shoot the ball. Yes, he can even handle the ball and it looks natural. But, he gets bullied. We’ve seen Iowa and Texas Southern both use bigger bodies against him in the post and dare him to defend. Sure, he can protect the rim but he lacks the ability to block out and the ability to hold his position. I simply don’t know how much stronger he can even get.
Finally, there are much better options at 5. Let’s just use this mock for example. Give me Kevin Porter over Bol Bol. Give me Keldon Johnson over Bol Bol. Give me Romeo Langford over Bol Bol. The first look for the Knicks should be adding another wing and another guard. Frankie Smokes has not taken the leap like some thought in year 2 so far. The Knicks also need wing depth. Build that young core on the wing with Knox, Trier and this top-5 pick. Stay versatile.
Listen, Bol Bol is a fine player. He’s drawing comparisons to Kristaps. I’m just good with one Kristaps on the Knicks. If you want my top-10 for the Knicks, I’d go as follows:
1. Zion Williamson (Duke)
2. RJ Barrett (Duke)
3. Cam Reddish (Duke)
4. Nassir Little (UNC)
5. Kevin Porter (USC)
6. Keldon Johnson (Kentucky)
7. Naz Reid (LSU)
8. Romeo Langford (Indiana)
9. De’Andre Hunter (Virginia)
10. Bol Bol (Oregon)