Perhaps winning the third pick in the NBA Draft could actually help the Knicks' chances of signing free agent Kevin Durant.

A video produced by the sports network Overtime from at least a year ago recently resurfaced via the TheKnickofTime podcast that showed the Warriors forward watching tape of top high school prospects and singing praises for guard RJ Barrett, whom the Knicks are expected to take with the third pick in the draft on June 20.

"Kid I've been hearing a lot about," Durant said. "I haven't gotten a chance to watch him as much. I know he's a lefty out of Canada, I think. He's another one of those 6-7 wings who probably do everything, that can guard one through four that can play a long time in the NBA, especially in the NBA today."

The only thing that could stop the Knicks from drafting Barrett is if they trade their No. 3 pick as part of a package to the New Orleans Pelicans for Anthony Davis.

Of course, that trade would also likely help the Knicks reel in Durant in free agency, which begins on July 1, but it is at least comforting to know Durant likes what he sees out of their potential draft pick, who also said he prefers to be taken by the Knicks or Lakers.

Kd talking about RJ a year ago . This is gold! https://t.co/UZ9Bd57dGq
- TheKnickOfTime (@TheKOTShow) May 17, 2019

"Getting crafty with the left. See lefties are tough to guard, man," Durant continued in the video. "They can go right better than righties can go left and so a left-hander is hard to guard. He's a lefty that uses his right, which is gonna help him.

"Shoot the J, OK. Man, he's athletic, man. He can play out top. That's the thing. You got to be able to play out top, conduct the offense."

Popular in the Community