While the NBA tries to resume its season, the New York Knicks are preparing for the NBA Draft.
One prospect the Knicks are looking at is Cole Anthony, whom the Knicks have scouted extensively, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
“New York has done their homework on Cole,” an NCAA source told Begley.
One reason the Knicks should draft Anthony is the fact he’s a local. He grew up on the Upper West Side of New York and went to Knicks games growing up. He also wants to play for the Knicks.
“It would be pretty cool,” Anthony told Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “I was a fan for a good amount of time. I do like the Knicks. I think they definitely can use a guard, a good scoring point guard. If that happens, it would be pretty cool to play in front of my little brother.”
The Knicks need a guard who is a threat to shoot. Last year, Anthony averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and four assists for North Carolina. However, he struggled overall from the floor (38 percent) but was more than serviceable from three (35 percent)––75 percent on his free throws.
While Anthony’s shooting might not be as good as the Knicks need it to be, there is still room for him to grow. If he’s in an environment he wants to be in, that could only help his development as both a player and a leader.
“I’ve asked him about it,” Chris Brickley, Anthony’s trainer, told Marc Berman of the New York Post. “He doesn’t want to be drafted by a team that puts him to the side and doesn’t make it a priority to develop him. He wants to be put in a situation where he can be with a good coaching staff willing to keep improving his game. He’d love to play in New York for sure. He grew up in Manhattan.“
Anthony would join a young core that includes RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, and Kevin Knox if the Knicks drafted him. The young players could help Anthony in his development along with the coaches.
The Knicks are rebuilding and trying to become a winning team, which Anthony could be more than helpful in. He is already a good player and if the Knicks could help him become better, then he can help them win games and championships.
