ESPN Mock Draft has Knicks taking Harlem native Mohamed Bamba | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Thursday / March 28.
  • ESPN Mock Draft has Knicks taking Harlem native Mohamed Bamba

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    Jonathan Givony’s first NBA Mock Draft for ESPN is up and it projects the Knicks taking Harlem native Mohamed Bamba with the No. 7 pick in 2018.

    The 6-foot-11 Bamba signed in May with Texas over Duke, Kentucky and Michigan. A natural shot-blocker and intimidating defensive presence, he figures to be one-and-done for head coach Shaka Smart.

    WesttownWatch video on Overtime

    Bamba averaged 12.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game in his senior season (2016-17) while leading Westtown School to a 32-2 mark and a second consecutive Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association state title. As a junior, he averaged 14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 6.0 blocks per game in pacing Westtown to the state championship. He also helped Westtown register a 26-6 record in his sophomore season in 2014-15.

    Brandon RandolphWesttownWatch video on Overtime

    In July, Bamba was cleared again by the NCAA after allegations surfaced from his half-brother Ibrahim “Abe” Johnson that Mohamed accepted cash and gifts from a mentor.

    As for the Knicks, they could once again be a lottery team, especially if they end up dealing Carmelo Anthony to the Houston Rockets. The new front office has said it plans to build around the core of Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Willy Hernangomez and Frank Ntilikina.

    If the Knicks opt for a total rebuild around those younger players, they would be in the mix not only for Bamba, but for the prized top two projected picks of Missouri freshman forward Michael Porter Jr. and incoming Duke forward Marvin Bagley III.

    We want to “take advantage of the fact that we have draft picks moving forward,” Knicks President Steve Mills said last month.

    Via ASeaofBlue.com, here’s how the entire first round played out in ESPN’s mock:

    1. Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter

    2. Boston Celtics (via Nets): Marvin Bagley

    3. Atlanta Hawks: DeAndre Ayton

    4. Phoenix Suns: Luka Doncic

    5. Sacramento Kings: Robert Williams

    6. Orlando Magic: Miles Bridges

    7. New York Knicks: Mohamed Bamba

    8. Indiana Pacers: Collin Sexton

    9. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers): Jaren Jackson

    10. Dallas Mavericks: Wendell Carter

    11. Memphis Grizzlies: Trevon Duval

    12. Detroit Pistons: Bruce Brown

    13. New Orleans Pelicans: Lonnie Walker

    14. Portland Trail Blazers: Mitchell Robinson

    15. Philadelphia 76ers: Justin Jackson

    16. Charlotte Hornets: Dzanan Musa

    17. Phoenix Suns (via Heat): Troy Brown

    18. Utah Jazz: Hamidou Diallo

    19. LA Clippers: Mikal Bridges

    20. Denver Nuggets: Chimezie Metu

    21. Brooklyn Nets (via Raptors): Rodions Kurucs

    22. Milwaukee Bucks Nick Richards

    23. Atlanta Hawks (via Timberwolves): Shake Milton

    24. Washington Wizards: Grayson Allen

    25. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Thunder): Isaac Bonga

    26. Cleveland Cavaliers: De’Anthony Melton

    27. San Antonio Spurs: Austin Wiley

    28. Boston Celtics: Tyus Battle

    29. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets): Brandon McCoy

    30. Golden State Warriors: Andrew Jones

     

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    Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle. A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.

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