Why Knicks Should Draft Duke Star

One of the top center prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft is Kyle Filipowski. Could he be chosen by the New York Knicks?

The 2024 NBA Draft is just over two weeks away for the New York Knicks, who will be selecting with two first-round picks. The Knicks, who own the Nos. 24 and 25 picks, may try to move up in the draft by making a deal or selecting the best player available. Center Kyle Filipowski of Duke may be that player.

There are a lot of Duke supporters in New York, and Filipowski might become popular right away. Although he lacks consistency in his 3-point shooting and rim protection, the strong 6-11 center plays aggressively and with outstanding footwork. Filipowski might be another component to assist the Knicks advance farther in the playoffs after they made a strong run to the second round, according to AP News.

Because Precious Achiuwa and Isaiah Hartenstein are eligible for free agency this summer, the Knicks’ center rotation may change. The Knicks may need to select a center in the draft if they are unable to retain one or both of them, given that the selection takes place prior to free agency.

It’s difficult to predict if Filipowski will be on the court when the Knicks are in play given the parity in this draft. From the late lottery until the mid-20s, where New York is drafting, he could go anywhere. The Knicks might, however, package one or both of their picks to move up in the middle of the first round in order to choose Filipowski and establish him as New York’s backup center early in his career if they have strong feelings for him.