2024 NBA Mock Draft: Spurs prioritize two-way talents, Magic land surprise steal
By Reese Kunz
Pick No. 24: New York Knicks (via Mavericks) select Johnny Furphy
The Knicks get back-to-back selections after acquiring the Dallas Mavericks’ first-round pick. The Mavericks finally met the conditions to convey the pick following the 2019 trade involving Kristaps Porzingis. After making the Eastern Conference Semifinals and having an ascending superstar in Jalen Brunson, who made the All-NBA Second Team, the Knicks now find themselves well-positioned as a team that’s a consistent threat to make a deep playoff run.
Although they had a relatively successful season, the Knicks are still a tier below the true championship contenders. As a result, New York should target high-upside prospects with at least one of their first-round picks. Sharpshooting freshman Johnny Furphy fits the mold as a developmental prospect to take a flyer on.
Furphy averaged only nine points this season with 4.9 rebounds and one assist per game on 47/35/77 shooting splits. He could have benefited from staying an additional year and improving his numbers with an increased role at Kansas. Still, the weak draft class should also help Furphy remain a first-round pick, as he received an invite to sit in the green room at the Barclays Center.