Case for and against Knicks picking Dyson Daniels in 2022 NBA Draft

After a disappointing year, the Knicks find themselves back in the lottery, picking 11th in this year’s NBA Draft. The right selection could help turn things around next season and beyond.

Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of potential draft options for the Knicks, continuing with G-League Ignite guard Dyson Daniels.

The case for drafting Daniels

New York is desperate for its point guard of the future, making Daniels an attractive selection should he fall to pick 11 or the Knicks trade up. A lead initiator standing at 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-10-inch wingspan doesn’t come around often, and coming from pro experience in the G-League, Daniels packs a lot of potential.

Daniels moves fluidly at his size, and does so at his own pace. His film is very reminiscent of Kyle Anderson, albeit more in-tune to the guard position. He’ll pivot, hesitate, change speeds and use his size and length, all just off-kilter enough to find the open man or score inside.

Daniels doesn’t have explosive athleticism, but has enough of a first step and leaping ability to finish well at the rim. His in-between floater is a favorite and potentially devastating for defenses coming from someone of his build.

As is his passing – more substance than flash but effective all the same. He makes sound pick-and-roll reads that should translate easier than had he played in college, also at his own pace, often walking defenses into where he knows his man will get open. The ball moves freely through Daniels, not one to go out of his team’s way for a shot, with many setups off a defensive rebound in the backcourt.

The real kicker for the Knicks is Daniels’ defense. He’s an active and willing defender, with the potential to be a versatile threat if he fills out and improves.

He already guards one-on-one quite well, moving laterally with grace and constantly badgering ball-handlers with his active hands and length. This applies even if he gets screened or beat on a first step. His shadow just clings to opponents as he waits for the right opportunity to jump out in front or swipe a shot from behind.

There’s some real upside to his rim protection as well. He has strides to make in much of his game, but if he works on all the right things, he could be an elite defender at the next level.

The case against drafting Daniels

At the ripe age of 19, Daniels’ upside comes with its share of drawbacks. He’s quite raw in a number of places, and it’s hard to see him developing into a full-fledged threat for a couple of seasons at least.

The biggest issue in his game is easily his jump shot. He shot 25.5 percent from three, with meek catch-and-shoot numbers and only a 73.7 percent clip from the free throw line. Anything off-the-dribble or coming off away from the ball movement was dreadful.

Whichever team drafts Daniels will hope his seemingly sound form and okay free throw numbers mean his jumper can turn around, but without some perimeter game, his ceiling drops drastically.

What’s left of his game is still plenty tantalizing, but not fully developed. His lanky frame can get pushed around, which makes for challenges driving, finishing and guarding bigger players.

The ball-handling and at-the-rim scoring are good, not great. He’ll need to pick up on more advanced gathers, counters, etc. As it stands, he won’t be able to create on his own when stepping into the league.

That’s fine for a team that understands they’re in for a project and are ready to see Daniels develop before he really contributes. It’s just that the Knicks may be looking for more out of the point guard position, especially in the short term.