Stephane Bondy predicts who the Knicks will select with their two first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, which begins on Wednesday.
24. Kelel Ware, C, Indiana
Ware, who stands 7 feet tall and has an impressive wingspan that has drawn comparisons to Jarrett Allen, is a bona fide rim protector and Tom Thibodeau-type center the Knicks are looking for as insurance for the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson.
He flew to New York just two days before the draft and worked out in front of Thibodeau, hinting at higher interest.
There are two potential issues: 1) Ware didn’t show much confidence or aggressiveness in Indiana, which could be an issue under Thibodeau, and 2) Ware would have to perform below expectations to join the Knicks.
25. Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia
Although he did not attract much attention during his high school years, he has exceeded expectations and grown into a top-class wing defender in college.
While his defense will likely translate to the NBA, Dunn’s success in the NBA will be determined by the improvement of his shooting.
He struggled offensively against Virginia and will likely be taken off the court or swapped for a defensive substitution if he doesn’t make open jump shots.
The Knicks have made several defensive-minded draft picks recently (Frank Ntilikina, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Quentin Grimes and Jericho Sims) and Dunn could be one of them.
