The Knicks were hoping to work out Killian Hayes before Wednesday’s draft, but a COVID-19 outbreak may prevent that from happening, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. The team had to close its training facility in Tarrytown after three staff members tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.
New York will consider the French point guard with its No. 8 pick and he may be an even stronger possibility if the Knicks trade down. The team has collected plenty of information on Hayes, such as his measurements and medical records, and interviewed him via Zoom.
“Everyone saw the progress and a lot of changes to my game,’’ Hayes said. “What I really improved on, really, is my body. As soon as you see me, there’s a big difference and change from eight months ago to now. … The player that I was back in March is not the same player I am today. I’ve really leveled up a lot.”
Hayes turned 19 in July, making him one of the youngest players in the draft. However, he faced much older competition in Germany and says fellow Frenchmen Frank Ntilikina and Sekou Doumbouya have helped him prepare for the NBA.
“I learned a lot being able to leading a group of grown men,’’ Hayes said. “I’m used to playing against a lot of physicality. People coming at me. That will definitely help me.’’
There’s more draft news to pass along:
- Cole Anthony believes his love for the game will help him succeed in the NBA, writes Chris Dortch of NBA.com. Anthony demonstrated his commitment by returning to the court for North Carolina after undergoing surgery during the season to fix a small meniscus tear in his right knee. “A few things went into my decision to keep playing,” he said. “But first and foremost, I love the sport of basketball. A lot of people say that, but they don’t really mean it. I truly love the game. And I wasn’t going to sit out when I was healthy and I could go.”
- In an interview with Ethan Fuller of Basketball News, Tyrese Maxey said he’s been working to improve his outside shot after hitting just 29% from beyond the arc in college. “You have to be able to shoot the ball at the next level,” Maxey explained. “As a guard my height, and guards in the NBA, period, it’s hard to be on the floor and play in an NBA game without being able to knock down wide-open threes. I feel like I’m a way better shooter than what the numbers say.”
- Teams are relying on Zoom and other technology to handle the unusual circumstances surrounding this year’s draft, writes Mark Medina of USA Today.
As I said both Cole and Maxey are worth at 25 but they are likely to be picked at 15
GM likes point guards
2020 draft likes PGs. A dozen could stick.
I remember the last time the Knicks drafted a point guard from France with the 8th overall pick in the draft.
Yes it’s like the Cavs. Why do they keep drafting point guards that don’t cut it.?
They only selected two and sexton is really a SG (who averages 20.8 ppg with good shot % and is not a bad defender). Pissed me off when we took Garland but i think we should wait to see after this season if it’ll work out with him. They say he looks good in camp. Idk if that translates to real NBA minutes but we’ll see :)
The only question I would have with Maxey is whether he can play PG. I would think his FR year 3 pt % playing on a wing wouldn’t mean much after one sees him shoot. Shot selection is horrible (unselective), but he’s 19-20.
You should watch NC vs ISU. Halliburton will show you why he is better than Cole. And he’s gained 15 LBs since. IMO he is best PG in this draft. I like Hayes and think it’s either him or Okoro for us. Hayes is young and still developing. But I see a big upside. Kira Lewis is making big waves. If Knicks trade down it will be for him. Maybe Boston at 14. Celtics are rumored to be very high on Okoro. Although if I’m Angie I trade up for Okongwu. He could start at PF right away for them. I think he is their Bam lols.
It’s going to be so awesome to see how everything plays out. They’re so many moving Parts with this draft. So are you saying you don’t think the Knicks will move up for La Melo? Either stay where they are and or draft down trade down?
I’m not a Ball fan bro. I like Halliburton a lot. But I just don’t see him lasting till 8. Considering Thibs as coach. I see Okoro as probably our pick. Now I know they have been looking at Lewis. And he also has put on muscle. So I can see them trade down for him. My gut tells me it’s either Hayes or Okoro. IMO If Ball doesn’t go to Hornets. He will drop to Pistons. They won’t pass on him. I doubt very much Thibs will draft Ball. He’s a one way player. Not a Thibs kind of guy. I do believe there will be trades on draft night. So that could affect how teams draft. It’s going to be fun lol
For sure Hayes comes with the advantage of having played pro ball against, old, tough & hard men, so that puts him ahead of college PG’s, so he is better prepared for the league & more ready to start contributing right now!
I do like Cole Anthony as well, I think he is getting underrated, but if he falls, some team will be very happy to pick him up, he is gonna be good, make no mistake about it!
You forgot the word “slow” in your first sentence. That’s why personally I’d rather have a college player than a Euro player. I just see a big difference in athleticism. Just my personal opinion.
You said the same about Luka!
You’re right about that.. he and Tim Duncan are my two major glitches of the last 40 years. Can you believe the big fundamental is an all-time great? I mean seriously.. coming out of college who knew? I guess everyone but me… he was the number one pick LOL
Isn’t Luka amazing though? Just knows how to get it done. You probably remember Chris Mullin who looked slow also but then he averaged 26 a game. Yes Luka is way better than Chris Mullin of course but I’m just talking about how they look slow yet they are three or four steps ahead of everyone else. Pretty amazing. They just take what you give them and get it done. You lay off, they’ll shoot it. You come too close, they find the open man or go around you or Juke you so they create space. Amazing and fun to watch.
I want Lamelo. We haven’t had a PG who can push the pace since pre ACL Rose. If Lamelo isn’t there, I would flip with NYK and acquire the 8th spot, Knox, and future 2022 1-10 protected pick. I would draft Okoro with that 8th pick. Then trade Thad Young to a team seeking some front court depth (Spurs) perhaps? And get a 2nd from them this year? Hoping Jaden McDaniels drops, I love his potential with 6’10 and SF. Needs some meat on him, but he can be a high energy guy off the bench.
How could the Knicks do that much scouting then skip the in-person workout?— they cannot use another gym? It is especially important in Kilian’s case to know if he can dribble with his off hand or not. Last seen, no checkmark.
Also I’m suspicious if Kilian’s popularity is due to a similarity with Lamelo except more strong & stable. Like, “Lamelo’s a brilliant jerk, but we can get the same thing cheaper and easier to handle”.
Cole Anthony says he loves basketball. Easy to say when you’re the PG and in control of the ball; less easy for a center waiting for it but not getting it because the perimeter guys are busy loving it.
I wish I could give you five thumbs up for this post LOL.