After several clear draft selections in 2020 and 2021, defining the Knicks Gearing up for its best stretch in recent franchise history, New York should look to recreate that success this year. They have back-to-back late first-round picks at 24th and 25th, as well as the 38th overall pick, and have been relatively inactive the last two drafts.
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the Knicks’ potential draft picks, starting first with Virginia Ryan Dunn.
The case for drafting Dunn
Dunn is a 21-year-old, 6-foot-5, 214-pound sophomore guard who is being touted as one of the best defenders in his class. He has a 7-foot wingspan, along with the instincts, IQ and athleticism you expect from a blocking wing.
He was extremely active on that side of the court in his sophomore year, recording 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals in just 27.5 minutes per game. Dunn knows how to pick his positions, rarely sacrificing positioning to make a play and committing just 2.1 fouls per night.
He’s comfortable on the perimeter, chasing small guards until giving body to big ones in the paint. He definitely loses some weight there, but his length and fundamentals suggest he can bulk up and become a true 1-5 defensive weapon.
There are also advantages beyond elite defense. His frame and athleticism allow him to benefit his team in ways unusual for a swingman.
First, he is an impact player on the glass, grabbing 6.9 boards per game, including 2.2 offensive rebounds. This is another way he fits in perfectly in New York, as they place a high value on battling for possession and Dunn can use his athleticism to create havoc there.
Offensively he plays well with himself, he knows what his role is and doesn’t deviate from it to the detriment of the team. This immediately sets you up to join a rival team that won’t give you shots.
His attack comes mainly through cuts, straight attacks and transition. He’s a solid jumper and finisher who would be a lob threat that New York doesn’t have outside of Mitchell Robinson.
But Dunn’s main selling point is securing a defender with Herb Jones/OG Anunoby potential and betting on the offensive advantage that will follow. If you’re going to develop a prospect while trying to compete, you’re better off hiring one than the head coach Tom Thibodeau it will gush.
The case against Dunn’s recall
If Dunn’s offensive repertoire seemed limited, that’s because it is. His shooting may never evolve into something real, with career numbers of 52-of-99 from free throw range and 12-of-51 from three.
Dunn’s form isn’t too bad, but even the easiest looks are a struggle for him. Opponents were happy to look deep into him, and he is a generally passive scorer, averaging just 8.1 points on 6.1 shots per game.
There are a few clips of Dunn showing some sort of self-creation skills, but not enough to draw any real conclusions. He will primarily be an off-ball player and will have enough control to attack open lanes, but anything beyond that is a projection.
The Knicks would have to be very optimistic about their chances of developing Dunn into a playable offensive player because today’s NBA is not kind to wings who don’t shoot. Given the few chances he’ll likely get during his title chase, perhaps a more refined and developed prospect would be a better fit for New York.
