Mock Draft Sends Duke's McCain to Knicks After Tying Zion Record

Even though the NBA postseason is looming, some are already looking forward to this summer’s NBA Draft.

The latest mock draft from Bleacher Report has the New York Knicks taking in one of the ACC’s recent breakouts with the 19th overall choice. With that pick (obtained from the Dallas Mavericks in the 2019 Kristaps Porzingis trade), the Knicks land Duke guard Jared McCain, who’s fresh off one of the most dominant games for a freshman in the program’s lauded history.

In last Saturday’s win over Florida State, McCain tied Zion Williamson’s Duke record for most points by a first-year man (35) and outright set the record for most three-pointers (8).

Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

“Jared McCain’s eight made threes versus Florida State highlighted NBA range, self-creation footwork, escape dribbles into pull-ups, transition shooting, and a quick-release trigger,” Wasserman writes. “His shotmaking is advanced enough for teams to look past his underwhelming physical tools and athleticism, though he has demonstrated a level of craftiness with his handle and finishes to provide some extra on-ball creation and scoring value.”

McCain has had a strong start to February, averaging 17.3 points and 7.2 rebounds in six appearances. If he were to come to New York, he would provide a scoring presence at the backup point guard spot that can be hard to find. His 6-2 is a relative concern for immediate major minutes at the NBA level, but, with a little bit of patience, there’s a solid professional path ahead for the 20-year-old.

Both McCain and the Knicks will be back in action on Saturday: the former’s Blue Devils face Wake Forest in an ACC clash while the Knicks take on the Boston Celtics in prime time (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).