Young Kentucky sharpshooter has what Knicks need
Freshman Kevin Knox plays the position the Knicks crave — he’s a rangy, 6-foot-9 athletic small forward who can shoot daggers from 3-point range and possesses a 7-foot wingspan.
But John Calipari, who coached Knox at Kentucky, warned at the draft combine any team that drafts his former player must be patient because “you’re going to see this kid now and it’s going to be, holy cow, he’s young.”
In fact, Calipari reportedly made a pitch to get Knox to stay another season with the Wildcats, but still feels he’s a worthy project pick — even where the Knicks select at No. 9.
Along with fellow small forward Miles Bridges, Knox worked out Saturday for the Knicks in Tarrytown. Most mock drafts have Mikal Bridges and Miles Bridges ranked ahead of Knox, who interviewed with the Knicks at the combine, but didn’t speak with reporters.
“I’m the second-youngest player in the draft this year, but that doesn’t mean anything,’’ Knox told reporters at his workout in Orlando, Fla., this week. “It’s not an excuse. I’m in the NBA and I put my name in the draft for a reason — because I think I’m ready. My age has nothing to do with it.’’
Knox, who won’t turn 19 until August, played one season in Lexington, where he averaged 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Knox showcased his knack to score in many ways.
“That’s how the game is now with mobile wings who can do it all on the court and really stroke [jump shots],’’ Knox said in Orlando. “A lot of teams are going to small-ball and the Warriors sometimes go small from point guard to center and everybody can shoot it. My game really complements what the NBA wants — a long guy who can really handle the ball and shoot the ball and make multiple decisions.’’
Knox, who was unavailable for comment Saturday, said in Orlando, “I came to Kentucky as a 17-year-old and then I turned 18 [last] August. I just learned how to play through it.’’
Knox, whose father, Kevin Knox Sr., played wide receiver at Florida State and had two games with the NFL Cardinals in 1994, also will work out for the Cavaliers (eighth pick) and Bulls (seventh). Trading back a few notches, though, could be the best avenue to snare Knox.
Boston-based journalist Chris Mannix revealed on a podcast that Boston’s Kyrie Irving talked about playing for the Knicks with his former Cavaliers teammates, which has apparently alarmed the Celtics because he’s a 2019 free agent.
The Knicks were on Irving’s wish list when he sought a trade from the Cavaliers, and at the All-Star break, when asked his reaction to Kristaps Porzingis’ ACL tear, he gave another revealing response.
“I told him I would love to play with a big like you, man, when we played them in the beginning of the season when he came to Boston [in November],’’ Irving said. “He’s so versatile. So I wish him nothing but the best and hope he comes back even stronger.”
While the Knicks may not be in the running for LeBron James’ 2018 free agency, they are expected to have maximum cap space in 2019.
Others to work out Saturday along with Bridges and Knox were Shake Milton, Bruce Brown Jr. and another Kentucky stud, New Yorker Hamidou Diallo.