NBA Draft 2019: 5 targets for the New York Knicks

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates a basket as head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans calls timeout during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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Now that the NBA Draft Lottery is over, the New York Knicks have many crucial decisions to make and many options to consider.

The New York Knicks were so close to getting what they so desperately coveted. After the NBA announced that they had whittled down the last four finalists for the rights to Zion Williamson to the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and the New York Knicks, it seemed like destiny was at last smiling on the Knicks.

However, after most Knicks’ fans rejoiced when the Lakers received the fourth pick, they were shocked and devastated to hear they were only going to get the third pick in the draft. While the third pick is not bad, missing out on getting the first pick and having the chance to draft Zion is a demoralizing blow.

After years of misery, it seemed as if the Knicks were finally going to break out and really turn the course of their franchise around. But now, they must look at all their options with the third pick with the draft just a month away.

5. Ja Morant, Point Guard, Murray State

While Ja Morant is arguably the second best player in the draft, he is listed at number five simply because it is highly unlikely that he will be there for the Knicks to take at number three. With the Memphis Grizzlies an almost obvious landing spot for Morant, and reports that their telling teams he’s their guy it seems almost certain he’ll be off the board.

However, if the Grizzlies choose to go a different path and Morant is sitting there, the Knicks should pounce at the opportunity to snag one of the most talented and flashy players in the draft. Because Morant led the nation in assists, it would give the Knicks a true playmaker that they desperately need on their team. Imagine if they were able to draft Morant and sign Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant? That would be one scary lineup to deal with.

Knicks’ fans should not expect to land Morant in the 2019 NBA Draft, but if they do somehow get him, it would be a perfect fit for both Morant and for the Knicks.

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