With Mitchell Robinson set to hit free agency this summer, the New York Knicks have some work to do, especially at the center position should Robinson leave.
And while it may be easier to fill that hole through free agency, the Knicks should look to the draft, using their lottery pick on a big to further solidify the frontcourt.
Should the Knicks target a draft prospect if Mitchell Robinson leaves?
The 2022 NBA Draft lottery took place last week, with the NBA’s Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum announcing that New York will pick No. 11 in this year’s draft.
Recent No. 11 picks include Ziaire Williams, Devin Vassell, Cam Johnson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Domantas Sabonis, proving that the 11th pick isn’t so bad after all.
The Knicks won’t be able to draft players like Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, or Jabari Smith, but there are plenty of solid big men that New York will be able to capitalize on at No. 11.
If he should walk before the draft, Robinson’s lankiness and athleticism will be missed, and the Knicks will need to bounce back in the draft to fill that void.
It will be important to find a replacement for Robinson, as he has been an important piece for New York, throwing down lobs and protecting the rim on the other end.
And while the Knicks do still have last year’s second-round pick Jericho Sims and they also re-signed Nerlens Noel to a deal last summer, Robinson’s presence fared much better manning the middle this past season.
New York should look to find similar qualities in a big man when drafting while also looking to find a more polished player on the offensive end.
If the Knicks are targeting a replacement for Robinson, here are three prospects that they should be looking at when draft day comes around
New York Knicks</a> have some work to do, especially at the center position should Robinson leave.</p>
<p>And while it may be easier to fill that hole through free agency, the Knicks should look to the draft, using their lottery pick on a big to further solidify the frontcourt.</p>
<h2>Should the Knicks target a draft prospect if Mitchell Robinson leaves?</h2>
<p>The 2022 NBA Draft lottery took place last week, with the NBA’s Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum announcing <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/17/new-york-knicks-fans-satisfied-no-11-pick-2022-nba-draft/">that New York will pick No. 11 in this year’s draft</a>.</p>
<p>Recent No. 11 picks include Ziaire Williams, Devin Vassell, Cam Johnson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Domantas Sabonis, proving that the 11th pick isn’t so bad after all.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">From earlier: recent No. 11 picks include Ziaire Williams (2021), Devin Vassell (2020) Cam Johnson (2019), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2018), Domatas Sabonis (2017); recent history indicates NYK is more likely than not to make right decision on draft night: <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://t.co/LMP8bJ3iV1">https://t.co/LMP8bJ3iV1
<p>— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://twitter.com/IanBegley/status/1527284713181814784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 19, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>The Knicks won’t be able to draft players like Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, or Jabari Smith, but there are plenty of solid big men that New York will be able to capitalize on at No. 11.</p>
<p>If he should walk before the draft, Robinson’s lankiness and athleticism will be missed, and the Knicks will need to bounce back in the draft to fill that void.</p>
<p>It will be important to find a replacement for Robinson, as he has been an important piece for New York, throwing down lobs and protecting the rim on the other end.</p>
<p>And while the Knicks do still have last year’s second-round pick Jericho Sims and they also re-signed Nerlens Noel to a deal last summer, Robinson’s presence fared much better manning the middle this past season.</p>
<p>New York should look to find similar qualities in a big man when drafting while also looking to find a more polished player on the offensive end.</p>
<p>If the Knicks are targeting a replacement for Robinson, here are three prospects that they should be looking at when draft day comes around</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2022 AAC Freshman of the Year </a>
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<img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-128183" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2159,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2022%2F05%2F1386044756.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks, Memphis Tigers, Jalen Duren" width="3200" height="2159" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2022/05/1386044756.jpeg 3200w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2022/05/1386044756-768x518.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Jalen Duren, Memphis Tigers. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) – New York Knicks</p>
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<h3>1. Jalen Duren, Freshman, Memphis Tigers</h3>
<p>In his freshman year for Memphis, Jalen Duren averaged 12.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in the 29 games he appeared in for the Tigers.</p>
<p>His best performance came in the AAC Quarterfinals, posting 21 points and 20 rebounds on 71% shooting in a dominant win over UCF, showing his capabilities on offense and defense.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Up top to Jalen Duren for the <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://twitter.com/Memphis_MBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@Memphis_MBB slam 💪 </p>
<p>(via <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@MarchMadnessMBB) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://t.co/WBECt6EVgO">pic.twitter.com/WBECt6EVgO
<p>— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://twitter.com/CBBonFOX/status/1505366988549341185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>March 20, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Duren may be a tough one to grab off the board, as his projections vary being selected as early as No. 7 all the way down to being the No. 12 pick in different mock drafts. The Knicks will have to hope he slides due to being a project type of prospect.</p>
<p>He is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft and has similarities to Robinson’s game, as both look to finish on the inside and provide consistent rim protection.</p>
<p>Duren has excelled in the pick and roll game, setting physical screens to open the floor for his teammates on the perimeter, which is something that New York could use more of.</p>
<p>And despite being a few inches shorter than Robinson, Duren’s 7’5 wingspan will help plenty as today’s game has shifted its focus to small ball, and his frame certainly fits the criteria to be a successful center in the league over the next decade.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2022 ACC Defensive Player of the Year </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-128184" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2022%2F05%2F1239483059.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks, Duke Blue Devils, Mark Williams" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2022/05/1239483059.jpeg 3200w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2022/05/1239483059-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Mark Williams, Duke Blue Devils. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) – New York Knicks</p>
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<h3>2. Mark Williams, Sophomore, Duke Blue Devils</h3>
<p>In his 39 games played with the Blue Devils this past season, Mark Williams averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and shot an astounding 72% from the field, playing a huge part in getting Duke to the Final Four.</p>
<p>Williams has a larger frame than Robinson, standing at 7’2, and boasts <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://sports.yahoo.com/mark-williams-posted-eye-popping-233651076.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a 7’6 wingspan</a> that was measured last week at the 2022 NBA Combine.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Williams got to show some different sides to his game at the Excel Pro Day. Williams measured 7'2 at the NBA Combine with a 7'7 wingspan and 9'9 standing reach. <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://t.co/wdHLX79w1b">pic.twitter.com/wdHLX79w1b
<p>— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1528146096513781760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 21, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Despite being overshadowed by the likes of Banchero, AJ Griffin, and Trevor Keels, among others at Duke, Williams still managed to thrive and display his abilities as a player under Coach K.</p>
<p>New York would love to draft a guy like Williams, who is an established rebounder and defender and dominates the paint on both sides of the floor. He has a tremendous amount of upside and could provide more than Robinson down the line in the future.</p>
<p>Williams can also handle the ball and makes plays when needed, showing his value when placed in an offensive set. And while he didn’t take too many shots from outside the paint this season, he possesses a smooth-looking jumper from minimal attempts this season and could look to expand on that upon entering the league.</p>
<p>More likely than not, Williams will still be on the board when the Knicks prepare to make their pick. If other prospects go earlier than anticipated, Williams will be a relatively safe choice at No. 11.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trading down </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-128186" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2022%2F05%2F1386276732.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks, Auburn Tigers, Walker Kessler" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2022/05/1386276732.jpeg 1600w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2022/05/1386276732-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Walker Kessler, Auburn Tigers. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – New York Knicks</p>
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<h3>3. Trading back in the draft for Koloko or Kessler</h3>
<p>Outside of Duren and Williams, there aren’t any other big men worth picking within the lottery. So if the Knicks aren’t satisfied with what’s in front of them, <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/21/knicks-use-julius-randle-trade-no-4-2022-nba-draft/">New York will have suitors for the No. 11 pick</a>.</p>
<p>Auburn’s Walker Kessler and Arizona’s Christian Koloko are the remaining two big men that are projected to go within the first round.</p>
<p>Kessler averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks in 34 games for the Tigers this season. He is one of the tallest in this year’s draft class at 7’1 and is one of the best shot blockers.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Auburn's Walker Kessler official measurements from the NBA Combine: 7'1 in shoes, 7'4.25 wingspan, 9'5 standing reach, 256 lbs with 14.7% body fat</p>
<p>— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1526955155035500544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 18, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>The only downside for Kessler is that he struggles to defend the perimeter as he can’t effectively move laterally to close out and keep up with smaller players. In addition, he cannot shoot well from outside the paint and does not have a strong post skillset to score at his own will.</p>
<p>A better selection for the Knicks would be Bennedict Mathurin’s teammate Christian Koloko, who showed out during March Madness before being eliminated in the Sweet 16.</p>
<p>In the 37 games he played for the Arizona Wildcats this past season, Koloko averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. Koloko is also 7’1 and is significantly more mobile and can shoot the ball from distance as well.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Arizona's Christian Koloko official measurements from the NBA Combine: 7'0 in shoes, 7'5.25 wingspan, 9'5 standing reach, 221 lbs with 5.7% body fat</p>
<p>— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1526955031450333185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 18, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Despite being better on paper, Koloko is a relatively inexperienced player, as he focused primarily on soccer until the age of 17. But with more experience and development with an NBA team, Koloko could become a starting center in the league for years to come.</p>
<p>It may not be in New York’s best interest to trade down from the No. 11 pick, but keep in mind that Robinson was <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2022/05/26/3-draft-prospects-replace-mitchell-robinson-leaves-knicks/"https://www.nba.com/knicks/front-office-news/knicks-draft-kevin-knox-and-mitchell-robinson-2018-nba-draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drafted No. 36 overall</a> in 2018. The Knicks have done a great job of finding guys later in the draft in recent memory, as they look to continue down that path in this year’s draft.</p>
<p>Whatever it is that New York decides to do with the 11th pick will hopefully be the right choice for the franchise going forward.</p>
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