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When the New York Knicks are on the clock with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, it is unlikely the organization will select former North Carolina guard Cole Anthony, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
The Knicks have reportedly done extensive research on Anthony but apparently don’t feel strongly enough about drafting him following the results of that investigation. According to the report, the Knicks would even pass on Anthony if they traded down in the draft.
The Knicks are leaning against taking the Manhattan point guard with the No. 8 pick, or even if they trade down into the 14-15-range, according to an industry source.
Anthony, whose father, Greg, played four years with the Knicks, is most commonly projected to be selected in the middle of the first round but at least one anonymous executive, cited in the report, could see him dropping to the end of the first round after an inconsistent collegiate season.
However, the Knicks currently hold two first-round picks and would apparently entertain the idea of selecting Anthony with the 27th overall pick. The Knicks likely believe he could be a steal at the end of the first round but wouldn’t be worth the same value selecting him in the lottery.
The 20-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, four assists and 1.3 steals in 22 games last season with the Tar Heels. Anthony dealt with an injury that derailed his season a bit but still showed flashes of being a solid all-around guard at the next level.
The 2020 NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on Nov. 18.
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