NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Detroit Pistons create young super team; big-name is traded
12. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks) – Taylor Hendricks, F, Central Florida
The New York Knicks will be looking to add another possible contributor with this pick in the first round. One potential dark horse option is Taylor Hendricks, who is a 3-and-D ready-to-play prospect out of Central Florida. Hendricks is coming off a season in which he averaged 15 points and seven rebounds on 48 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range during his freshman season.
He will be able to help on the defensive end of the floor immediately and his 3-point shooting prowess is something that will keep him on the floor, but his ultimate ceiling will be determined by how well (or quickly) he can develop the rest of his offensive game. He seems like a good prospect that the Knicks could try to develop behind the likes of Julius Randle and whoever else survives in the frontcourt this offseason.
And if he comes along quicker than expected, he’s a player that would fit for this team and could help on the defensive end initially. The Knicks will likely be in pursuit of a big trade this offseason, but adding Hendricks could also make a ton of sense on several fronts.