With the 2018 NBA Draft upon us, let's take a tour through the final NBA mock drafts around the sports media landscape to see who the Knicks might be taking with the 9th pick.
ESPN, NY Post, NY Daily News, The Athletic: Kevin Knox, Kentucky, F
The most popular Knicks selection is Knox.
Knox, 18, has been a fast riser since his lone season at Kentucky ended. In initial mocks, Knox was projected to be a mid-first round pick. He averaged 15.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game en route to SEC co-Freshman of the Year honors. At 6'8", Knox is the optimal modern NBA wing.
SB Nation, CBS Sports: Mikal Bridges, Villanova, F
Bridges, who was the first name oft-rumored to the Knicks at the beginning of the draft process, appears to have lost steam heading into draft night. It could be genuine loss of interest, or it could be smokescreens from the Knicks looking to distance themselves from the guy they most want.
The 21-year-old averaged 17.7 points and 5.9 rebounds on 51 percent shooting and 44 percent from deep, where he made 104 threes last season.
The Ringer: Collin Sexton, Alabama, G
In his one-and-done season at Alabama, Sexton averaged 19.2 points, 3.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game on 45 percent shooting (34 percent from three).
Sexton is known for his toughness and competitiveness but, like last year's lottery pick Frank Ntilikina, his shot could use some work.
Sports Illustrated: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky, G
In SI's mock, all three of Knox, Bridges and Sexton are on the board but the Knicks opt for Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game at Kentucky.
Other names to watch: Wendell Carter Jr., Trae Young, Miles Bridges
All three players are all viable options for the Knicks if they're availble.
Carter Jr. isn't likely to be on the board when the Knicks select, ditto for Young, and the front office is likely to have better options than Miles Bridges with the 9th pick.