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New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown during a game against the Charlotte Hornets in March 2026
The New York Knicks saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end on Thursday night, falling 114-103 to the Charlotte Hornets.
Even so, New York has won 11 of its last 15 games and continues to build momentum at a crucial stage of the season, with the Eastern Conference standings tightening.
At 48-26, the Knicks sit just one game behind the Boston Celtics for the No. 2 seed, with every remaining result carrying increased significance.
While the primary focus remains on securing playoff positioning, there is a growing sense that this summer could be instrumental in shaping the roster’s long-term trajectory.
New York Knicks Could Eye Draft as Long-Term Roster Pathway
Although speculation around a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to surface, the Knicks may ultimately prioritise a more balanced and sustainable approach to roster building.
For a team aiming to contend consistently, the NBA Draft provides a controlled way to add young, cost-effective talent without compromising financial flexibility.
New York holds its own 2026 first-round pick and is currently projected to select towards the latter portion of the round.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman projected the Knicks to select Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr. with the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Through 36 games this season, Johnson has averaged 13.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks, while shooting 63.6% from the field.
He has also converted 12 of his 32 three-point attempts, a 37.5% success rate.
“Morez Johnson Jr. will have a very clear, defined job in the NBA, and he easily has the tools, athleticism and motor to execute in that role,” Wasserman wrote. “At 6’9″, 250 pounds, his combination of strength, leaping and coordination should continue to work well finishing rim runs, lobs, putbacks and low-post opportunities.”
“And there should be equal expected value (or more) tied to his defensive projection, given his toughness inside and foot speed away from the basket.”
Johnson’s Two-Way Profile Strengthens Knicks Fit
Johnson’s defensive versatility and physicality would align with a Knicks team looking to bolster its frontcourt depth moving forward.
As a 20-year-old sophomore, he offers a blend of readiness and upside, fitting the mold of a player who can contribute early while continuing to develop.
He has carried that form into the NCAA Tournament, opening with a dominant 21-point, 10-rebound performance against Howard, shooting a perfect 8-of-8 from the field, including a three-pointer.
He followed that with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a block against Saint Louis, helping Michigan advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo has also previously linked Johnson to New York, reinforcing the potential fit.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie describes Johnson as a “tough rebounder” and praised his defensive impact, stating, “He’s tremendous as a post defender, flying around in help and showcasing switchability on the perimeter.”
Vecenie did acknowledge concerns about Johnson’s size for a traditional interior role but likened his profile to Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart, who has carved out a strong NBA role despite similar limitations.
For a New York Knicks team balancing immediate playoff ambitions with long-term roster planning, a high-energy prospect like Johnson could represent a smart addition, reinforcing the frontcourt while providing affordable depth for the future.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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