Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: 8. Killian Hayes, New York Knicks
Original pick: Obi Toppin
Knicks 2020 starting lineup
- Elfrid Payton
- Reggie Bullock
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Nerlens Noel
New Knicks 2020 starting lineup
- Elfrid Payton
- Reggie Bullock
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Nerlens Noel
Due to the nature of Tom Thibodeau as a coach, Killian Hayes likely wouldn’t crack New York’s starting five over Elfrid Payton. That being said, he still would have been a great pick for the Knicks at eight.
Despite not living up to the hype he received going into the draft, Hayes still has a ton of potential to be great. In his short stint after returning from injury, he showed flashes of being an elite playmaker.
The Knicks have been searching for a point guard for years, and having Hayes fall to them at eight would give them the chance to select one. He may need a few years to develop, but he would be a great fit in New York.
They don’t exactly have a great history with foreign point guards (sorry, Frank), but it’s hard to pass up on a talent like Hayes. The Knicks picking him at eight in this re-draft just makes too much sense.
He could have ended up being their point guard of the future. Instead of Obi Toppin, who did not look too great in his rookie season, the Knicks get Hayes in this re-draft.