Sir Charles in Charge
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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Versatile bigs dominate the top 5

By Connor Harr

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 08: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Dean Smith Center on February 8, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 08: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Dean Smith Center on February 8, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 03: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils reaches for the ball against Amar Alibegovic #10 of the St. John’s Red Storm at Madison Square Garden on February 3, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 03: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils reaches for the ball against Amar Alibegovic #10 of the St. John’s Red Storm at Madison Square Garden on February 3, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

9. New York Knicks: Wendell Carter Jr. C/PF Duke

Big Board Rank: 8

Wendell Carter has been the forgotten man in this year’s draft. Hiding in the Shadows of Marvin Bagley, Wendell Carter has quietly been a double – double machine and Duke’s best rim protector. He fits in very well with the Knicks centerpiece Kristaps Porzingis.

Carter is more of a throwback big man in today’s age of stretch rim protectors. He should thrive offensively being able to work the low and high post while Porzingis plays on the perimeter. Carter should hide the poor rebounding ability of Kristaps who is only averaging 6.6 rebounds a game.

Even if Enes Kanter opts into his player option with New York next season the Knicks it shouldn’t be a problem. Wendell Carter could be brought along slowly in his rookie season being a focal point off the bench in the ball screen game and give the Knicks an upgrade in bench rim protection.