5 Prospects NY Knicks Should Already Be Targeting in 2018 NBA Draft

The New York Knicks' 2018 draft order position seems as immovable as an oblivious Times Square tourist standing on the left-hand side of an escalator. Despite losing 10 of their last 12, the Knicks (currently projected for the ninth pick) cannot fall behind of the most steadfast bottom-feeders in the standings and appear unlikely to elbow their way higher than No. 8 in the draft order. Never fear, Knicks fans. This is precisely the range where many of the players best suited for the team's needs are likely to fall.

True, the team needs more pure talent—its collapse since the injury to Kristaps Porzingis is evidence of that—but it also needs to add players that have the right "it" factor. The grit, the defense, the attitude, the competitive spirit, the hustle that carries a team to victories.

Considering that the Knicks might go from a surplus of centers to none at all during free agency, they should also keep an eye on the big men. They also need more perimeter shooting, perimeter defense, passing ability, court vision and athleticism. The front office should set their sights relatively wide, because they still could get a gift from the Ping Pong Ball Fairy and move up in the draft order.

Here are five young bloods who might look best in a New York uniform.

Zhaire Smith, SG/SF, Texas Tech, Freshman, 6'5"

Watching Texas Tech freshman wing Zhaire Smith (6'5", 195 lbs.), Knicks fans of a certain age will find John Starks comparisons too easy to resist. 

He is aggressive and athletic, with brave drives, thunderous dunks, a sweet jumper, quick, clever cuts and bounce, bounce, bounce. Defensively, he's pesky on the perimeter, and he has the hops and the gumption to protect the rim.

The on-floor chemistry he has with Texas Tech teammates is a thing of beauty. Smith knows exactly where they are and where they will be, giving and receiving slick dimes and lob passes. He has an uncanny knack for knowing where the ball will be too, averaging 4.8 boards per game and slamming in some spine-tingling put-backs. 

Khyri Thomas, G, Creighton, Junior, 6'3"

So noteworthy are Khyri Thomas' defensive skills that Creighton fans simply call it "Khyrifense." The 6'3" junior combo guard with the 6'10" wingspan was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year two years in a row.

He has an eye on passing lanes and the length to intercept what he likes. He stalks ball-handlers, contests shots well and pressures opponents into assorted foolishness and turnovers.   

He also averages 15.1 points per game, shooting 53.8 percent from the floor, with a sharp touch from beyond the arc. His grinding, frustrating, head-scratching, what-just-happened D is what makes Thomas desirable, but the scoring is what seals the deal. 

Mikal Bridges, SF, Villanova, Junior, 6'7"

Some scouts note that Villanova junior Mikal Bridges has neared his ceiling. However, a confident stroke at every range, a 2016-17 Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year award (with Khyri Thomas) and a fearless attitude in the face of big moments suggest this two-way small forward with a 7'0" wingspan has an NBA future. 

Bridges has savvy fundamentals—smart spacing and off-ball movement—but he has some flare in his game, too. His catch-and-shoot is quick and sure; his dunks are authoritative and ruthless.

He's a good shot-blocker at his position and often sees the opponents' passing lanes before they do.

He needs to develop his passing and facilitating, and he'll have to get comfortable absorbing contact. Nevertheless, Bridges could contribute to an NBA team right away.

Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma, 6'2"

Is he Steph Curry or isn't he? Who cares? He's Trae Young, and Trae Young is great.

Despite the fact the Knicks are three-deep at PG (not including free agent Jarrett Jack), New York must consider drafting the most talked-about prospect in the draft, Oklahoma's willowy 6'2" freshman point guard.

He excels where the Knicks' other lead guards fall short: He's a natural, confident shooter from any range. Despite his size, he arguably better fits the mold of the new NBA point guard than any the Knicks have had.

Young not only led men's Division I basketball in regular-season scoring—surviving a late-season downturn to hold on to the top spot—but he also led the nation in assists. New York's front office should put a premium on such lead guards who can feed a hungry Kristaps Porzingis.

It also should appreciate any rookie who can face up to the harsh lights of Madison Square Garden and not flinch. Young might be just that. Wednesday he ventured onto ESPN's First Take and said, "If I'm able to get drafted by the New York Knicks, it would be a blessing," per the Cycle's Thomas Duffy (h/t ESPN.com's Ian Begley).

"I feel like what I went through all this year with all the media, the criticism, the ups and downs, I feel like that prepared me, for if I was in a situation like that and how I'd be able to handle it. I think I'd be ready."

Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Michigan St., Freshman, 6'11"

A big man who isn't afraid to guard the three-point line? Such a prize will probably not fall far enough for the Knicks to catch him. However, if Michigan State's Jaren Jackson Jr. does slide lower than expected, or if the lottery gods gaze upon New York and feel unusually charitable, the Knicks should be ready to select him.

Jackson is a sneaky shot-blocker, chasing down and creeping up on opposing players with designs on finishing above the rim. Watching Jackson's eyes move when he's defending is riveting. He keeps vision on the ball and the man he's guarding, which allows him to anticipate what's coming. 

He is both strong and agile in his 6'11" frame. In college, he played more power forward than center, so he's proved he can effectively defend multiple positions and nimbly switch between one and the next.

Beyond that, Jackson is also a three-point threat with more untapped offensive potential for NBA coaches to explore. A Knicks frontcourt that's full of questions right now should consider Jackson.