Killian Hayes, who skipped college basketball to play professionally in Germany, might be the answer the Knicks are looking for at point guard, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Hayes was born in Florida, but has spent much of his life in France, where his father was a pro.
“He’s got good size for a young point guard, close to 6’5″, and he’s got a feel for the game,’’ said former Sixers general manager Brad Greenberg, who has spent several years coaching in Europe. “He’s used to having the ball in his hands and playing in a ball-screen offense. A very nice feel.’’
Hayes, who turns 19 in July, is ranked 10th in ESPN’s latest list of draft prospects and is the third point guard on the board behind LaMelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton. Under the current standings, the Knicks’ pick could be as high as No. 1 and as low as No. 10.
There’s more draft news to pass along:
- Arizona’s Nico Mannion makes sense for the Suns if they opt for a point guard in the draft, contends Jeremy Cluff of The Arizona Republic. Cluff rounds up draft projections for Phoenix, which is currently slotted at No. 10. Ricky Rubio is under contract for two more years, but he’s 29 and the Suns may be looking for his long-term replacement.
- Despite an adjusted pre-draft schedule that has already resulted in the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament and the Nike Hoop Summit, the Warriors believe they will be prepared whenever the draft arrives, according to Wes Goldberg of The San Jose Mercury News. Assistant general manager Larry Harris said the team was about 90% done with its evaluations when the sports world was shut down last week, adding that everything else would have been “finishing touches.”
- Seton Hall forward Sandro Mamukelashvili plans to declare for the draft without hiring an agent, reports Adam Zagoria of NJ.com. The 6’11” junior averaged 11.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game this season. “It’s a great opportunity to see where he is at and where we go from here,” Pirates coach Kevin Willard said. “The draft process now helps kids make educated decisions and we are looking forward to going through the process with him.”
The Knicks never move in the lottery only down they’ll draft 10th and screw the pick up again
Ewing says not true.
Yeah ok so that’s 1. How many other draft busts have they had? It’s the freaking Knicks we’re talking abt everything they touch turns to crap.
Tough choice for the Knicks if they have a choice– Hayes & Haliburton are a lot like the existing N’kina. Ball may have trouble scoring in the halfcourt and at least initially, is too skinny for the SF.
Tyrone Maxey, #8 at espn, has the energy & swagger to deliver for NY. He may not be big enough to get inside much but you can quickly tell it’s him. Not great but he can rip.
I don’t wish my guy Maxey the Knicks issues. They already messed up Knox by inconsistent PT over the last couple years.
Knox is just not a good player and most likely a career back up at best – inconsistent playing time is the not the reason for his issues.
Knox
Came in too young. IMO he’s bitching up. No part of Maxes. Halliburton is the best PG in this draft. He plays both ways. And is a cerebral player. Something we need big time. U right BYK has messed up their picks. Ntili, Knox, DSJ all have less value today. But RJ has cojones. Has not let NYC get to him. That’s part of problem. The other 3 imo can’t handle NYC. Halliburton and Payton as backup. Is way I go. Trade all three. Move up and get Okoro. Sign Gallinari