NBA Draft 2018: Could the Knicks trade up for Mo Bamba?

Could the Knicks trade up to take Mo Bamba?

By Tre LyDay | Jun 20, 2018

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 20: NBA Draft Prospect Mohamed Bamba speaks to the media before the 2018 NBA Draft at the Grand Hyatt New York Grand Central Terminal on June 20, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks really need to make this draft count, so it looks like they’re going to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

The New York Knicks have had some real misfortunes in the past couple years, and it’s mostly their own fault. After getting rid of Phil Jackson, the franchise is looking to close that chapter completely and bring in guys that will bring them back to contention.

This year, they own the No. 9 pick in the NBA Draft, and they really need to hit on this pick. Not too long ago, it had been rumored that teams were gauging how bad the Knicks wanted to move up to take Michael Porter Jr.

Now they’ve met with big man Mohamed Bamba, and it looks like they could move up to take him instead.

Members of the Knicks organization met in-person with Texas’ Mohamed Bamba in New York today, team sources told ESPN. The meeting is an indication that the Knicks are considering trading up from the No. 9 pick. Bamba is projected as the fifth pick in ESPN's latest mock draft.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 20, 2018

As mentioned, the Knicks have the No. 9 pick in the draft, and the Dallas Mavericks have the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft. Seeing as Bamba is projected to be the fifth pick, if not higher than that, the Knicks are going to have to find a way to jump at least four spots in the draft.

This wouldn’t be a bad move by the franchise. Bamba is a seven-footer with a wingspan that’s over eight feet. With recent workout videos showing Bamba knocking down three-pointers like it’s nothing, having him playing alongside Kristaps Porzingis could be something special.

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It can not be stated enough how bad the Knicks need to hit on this pick. There’s no one particular player that guarantees to pan out, but at the same time they need to snag someone with a really high ceiling.

If that means they have to trade up four or five spots to take Porter Jr. or Bamba then so be it, because it will in all likelihood be totally worth it.

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