How Knicks end up with Oregon C Bol Bol in latest ESPN mock draft

Zion Williamson selected first overall by Hawks

11/28/2018, 6:11 AM
Nov 20, 2018; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks center Bol Bol (1) scores a basket over Green Bay Phoenix forward Shanquan Hemphill (10) during the first half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Wayrynen
Nov 20, 2018; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks center Bol Bol (1) scores a basket over Green Bay Phoenix forward Shanquan Hemphill (10) during the first half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Wayrynen

For Knicks fans hoping to see Duke's freshman phenom Zion Williamson in blue and orange next season, hold your breath: ESPN's latest mock draft thinks he's going to be the first name called.

With each thunderous dunk and double-digit point game, Williamson's draft stock continues to soar. And ESPN sees the Hawks jumping all over him with the first overall pick.

Here, we find the Knicks staying in the fifth slot after the NBA Draft Lottery. The Hawks, who are currently tied third with the Bulls on the list with a 5-16 record, jumps up to the first overall selection. The Bulls also move up while the Suns and Cavaliers fall down to three and four respectively. 

Other Duke players in R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish find themselves off the board by the time the Knicks pick as well.

If the Knicks were to select Bol, he would join Mitchell Robinson as an extremely tall and athletic center that has some to grow both physically and mentally in their game. However, Bol possesses a jump shot that Robinson hasn't showed off so far in his early career. You can see Bol draining threes left and right during Duck games, while also showcasing great post moves around the rim.

Bol is also very well known by being the son of Manute Bol -- the 7-foot-7 center that played 12 NBA seasons, recording 2,086 blocks over his career. 

Having Bol in the Knicks' lineup would be interesting to watch, as the Knicks already have a big man that can work on the perimeter and down low in Kristaps Porzingis. Would the Knicks use them as a dual threat (they're both 7-foot-3)? Or have Bol work mainly around the rim, while allowing Porzingis to work freely?

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