Category: Sports News

It feels like the league is waiting for the Giannis Antetokounmpo shoe to drop before the rest of the transactions can get started, so why not try to put together an offseason plan? There’s no way my 5’10” frame can fill Trajan’s Langdon’s shoes at his height of 6’4”, but I’ll do my best.

Pre-Draft

With the recent news that Detroit may be a third-team to help facilitate the Giannis deal between Milwaukee and Miami, I’m going to get in on the action. With Miami not wanting to extend Herro and Milwaukee looking to send him elsewhere, I’m happy to bring him to Detroit – for the right price.

This trade needs to be done before the draft since Miami’s pick at 13 will most likely be sent to Milwaukee, but I’m not giving up assets for a player that neither team wants. If I’m doing you the favor of taking on that player, you can have expiring contracts. Detroit does have two Milwaukee seconds – one in 2027 and one in 2029 – that the Bucks could ask in return that I would be willing to throw in if needed.

TRADE (without all the other details of a Giannis trade):

• Pistons send out:
  • Duncan Robinson ($16.8 million)
  • Caris LeVert ($14.1 million)
  • 2027 Milwaukee second and/or 2029 Milwaukee second
• Pistons receive:
  • Tyler Herro ($31 million)

Tyler Herro instantly becomes the best scorer Cade Cunningham has ever played next to throughout his career. Herro would instantly become the #2 option on offense and JB Bickerstaff could stagger Cade and Herro so one of them is on the court at all times. I believe both Cade and Jalen Duren would help Herro be the best offensive version of himself, similar to his All-Star season two years ago when he averaged 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists while shooting 38% from deep on almost nine attempts per game. His defense and availability are certainly legitimate question marks, but his offense is not. While he’ll be an unrestricted free agent with one year left on his deal, Detroit holds his Bird Rights if they want to re-sign him next summer while being over the cap.

Draft

Shoutout to DBB’s very own Wes Davenport for selling me on this guy.

I’m staying put at #21 and I’m selecting Joshua Jefferson from Iowa State.

Jefferson is listed at 6’9” and 240 pounds and he’ll turn 23 years old this November. He is a four-year college player with his first two years at Saint Mary’s before playing his final two years at Iowa State. During his senior season with the Cyclones, Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. My player comparison for him is a bigger Draymond Green.

I’m a huge fan of high-IQ basketball players and Jefferson’s IQ is sky high on both ends of the floor. I’m a huge fan of guys that want to make the right play. I want guys that want to give up a good shot of their own to find a great shot for a teammate, and Jefferson certainly does that. His best skillset may be his IQ, but his passing isn’t far behind. Trajan Langdon said he wants to find additional playmaking, so why not find it from a point-forward at pick 21?

He’s incredibly strong, can switch defensively, and even shows the potential to be a tertiary ball handler. Jefferson’s biggest question mark is his shooting as his final year of 34.5% from deep on 3.1 attempts per game were both career-highs throughout his college journey, but his form looks good. There’s enough there that I feel confident Fred Vinson can turn him into a catch-and-shoot threat quickly. I believe he’s ready for NBA minutes today.

NBA Free Agency

While it’s possible Detroit can use their NTMLE of $15 million on free agents like Coby White, CJ McCollum, Ayo Dosunmu, or Anfernee Simons, I’m convinced that those kind of guys can get more money on the open market. The good news is you could still absorb a player into the NTLME via trade so that’s how I plan to use it.

TRADE:

• Pistons receive:
  • Isaiah Joe ($11.3 million)
• Thunder receive:
  • 2027 DET second
  • 2030 DET second

Isaiah Joe instantly becomes the Duncan Robinson replacement off the bench. He’s under contract for two more years at $11.3 million each year. Joe is on the outside of the OKC rotation, but he has played in 71 or more games the past four seasons while shooting more than 41% from deep throughout that same time frame. This sure seems like a Trajan Langdon type of guy based on his shooting and availability.

OKC does this deal because they already have 15 players on their roster, they have two first round draft picks, and the rookie-max extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are set to begin. This deal saves them $11 million and opens up a roster spot while getting two seconds in return. Detroit would have roughly $3.7 million left of the MLE.

Next…

TRADE:

• Pistons receive:
  • Naz Reid ($23.3 million)
• Timberwolves receive:
  • Marcus Sasser ($5.2 million)
  • Isaiah Stewart ($15 million)
  • 2027 unprotected Detroit first

I will admit that I’m a pusher of Naz Reid propaganda, but man, I would love him in Detroit. I think this is a great pivot if Trey Murphy III is too expensive to get.

Naz is listed at 6’9” and 260 pounds and can play both PF and C. We could finally see Ausar Thompson playing next to a stretch big again since Mike Muscala left the team a few years ago. Reid is still only 26 years old and has played in 77 or more games in each of the past three seasons. He received 6MOY votes in each of those seasons and I think it’s time he gets promoted to the starting lineup. Naz is shooting 37.1% from deep in his career and attempted a career-high 5.8 threes in back-to-back seasons. Just like Isaiah Joe, this feels like a Trajan guy – someone who’s always available and always consistent from deep. Call me crazy, but I’d define Naz as a ball-handler, too.

Minnesota does this deal because they are EXPENSIVE. This deal saves them $3.1 million in salary, yet Naz is only their 5th most costly player behind Edwards, Gobert, Randle, and McDaniels. Both Sasser and Stewart can be expiring deals to get off of Naz’s long term money of 4-yr/$104m left, while Sass can offer them some needed guard play and a duo of Gobert/Stew gives them the best defensive big combo in the NBA. As great as Trey Murphy III’s contract is, Naz’s deal is pretty good, too.

I believe Minnesota would rather move Julius Randle, but I’m not sure any team wants to take on his remaining 2-yr/$69m without assets attached. They could keep Stew the following year on his team option and Stew could play C next to Randle or PF next to Gobert in spurts. The 2027 Detroit first-rounder could eventually help them land a starting PG to play next to Edwards.

Detroit’s Free Agents

I’m bringing back Javonte Green, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren. Green can get another minimum deal. With Jefferson planning on being my Tobias replacement at some point, I’d sign Tobias to a two-year deal worth $20 million including a team-option in the second year.

I’m signing Jalen Duren to a five-year $200 million contract. If Duren gets the same percentage of the cap as Alperen Şengün, who got a 5-yr/$185 million deal starting last season, it would equal 5-yr/$197 million, so a $200 million deal feels fair for both sides.

I’m also extending Ausar Thompson to a five-year $150 million deal. I’ve heard a potential deal for AT being similar to what Jalen Suggs or Dyson Daniels got. Daniels starts a 4-yr/$100m contract this year and Suggs is on his second year of a 5-yr/$150 million deal. I’d be happy pushing Ausar up to $160 million total if needed.

I would not be surprised if Daniss Jenkins’ and Paul Reed’s deals are restructured to get them under contract for multiple years as well.

2026-2027 Roster

PG: Cade Cunningham | Tyler Herro |Daniss Jenkins

SG: Tyler Herro | Isaiah Joe | Javonte Green

SF: Ausar Thompson | Ron Holland | Tobias Harris

PF: Naz Reid | Tobias Harris | Joshua Jefferson

C: Jalen Duren | Naz Reid | Paul Reed

—————

Don’t stress, Trajan – I did the work for you!

What’re your thoughts at my attempt at an offseason, DBB? What changes would you make?

Go Stones.

Karl Towns Sr. is the proud papa of NBA champion Karl-Anthony Towns, who was a key component in the team’s playoff run — which snapped a 53-year championship drought.

Papa Towns take a shot at some Father’s Day Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby. 

Q: Why do you think New York City fell in love with your son Karl-Anthony?

A: Because he’s humble, caring, loving. And he wanted to bring something to New York that they’ve been thirsting for 53 years. When he puts on that jersey, he knew every time he put it on he was representing his mother, the city, and he wanted to give them a chance to be where they were yesterday.

Q: What is the most memorable Father’s Day you’ve had with KAT?

A: Ready for this? It’s gonna be this Sunday, being a part of my son winning an NBA championship.

Q: What are your plans?

A: I don’t need any plans. You know what my plans were? The parade yesterday, sitting there crying, emotional, seeing my son hold that trophy — something I dreamed it would happen one day, and to see it fulfilled, he don’t have to do anything for me Father’s Day. He just did it. Seeing him fulfill his mother’s dream and me being a part of his dream … I’m good. 

Q: What was the highlight of the parade for you?

A: The highlight of the parade was watching my son finally hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. It was emotional for me because it was always a dream of his mother for him to play for the Knicks in a season. It was not only his dream of being an NBA champion, but his mother’s dream. The whole thing was beautiful, but watching him walk out of City Hall with the trophy up high, that’s when it hit me that he was a champion. It was a day I’ll never forget. When he walked down the steps, it really hit me that my son had reached the pinnacle of the basketball world.

Q: What was it like on the float?

A: The float was a beautiful thing, because over the years, you watch all these other teams go down the Canyon of Heroes, but to know that this was a parade for the New York Knicks basketball program that never had a parade, and knowing that the whole city was honoring us, it was so emotional. And to see all these old players that played for the Knicks, it was so emotional that they could finally be part of a parade. And it was a parade for the entire Knick unit over the years, it wasn’t just for us. And to see all of them come back, it was a great moment to be on that float and look behind me and see all of those former players who made the program what it was be a part of the biggest Knick celebration for basketball. … You could see the joy in their face, as in our players … a family reunion. 

Q: What were your emotions on the float with your son?

A: I was crying and hugging him, saying, “Thank you for being yourself, and giving me a chance to be here, experiencing this moment with you. You made this possible for all of us, and I say, thank you, son. I love you, and you earned this day.”

Q: He looked like he was having quite a fun time.

A: Best day of his life. Besides getting engaged to Jordyn [Woods]. 

Q: You were doing a lot of crying during the parade.

A: You don’t know emotional it is seeing confetti coming down on your kid, and people showing your kid the love, the respect, saying thank you for giving us the championship we’ve been waiting for for 53 years. I’m getting emotional now even talking about it. As a father, you only want the best for your child [daughters Malaika and Lachelle, and son Brandon]. When you’re on that float, and you look up, and you see that confetti coming down, it’s very emotional … Because they only do that for heroes. Imagine them seeing your son as a hero to the city. 

Q: You lost your wife Jacqueline “Jackie” Cruz-Towns, and Karl-Anthony his mother, to COVID in 2020. Tell me about the two of you that day.

A: She was his mom and I lost my partner. I was more worried about his emotional state because that was his everything. Just know that he had to make a decision to let her go [from life support]. It was very hard. I hugged him and I told him, “Don’t worry, I will ride with you until the day I die. You’re never gonna be alone, I’ll be there for you all the time. I know how hard it is for you, but she always told you no matter what to be strong.” … This championship healed him a lot. He was able to release a lot of the stuff that he couldn’t see emotionally, but he released it to everybody, let them know that his mother is there, he could feel her presence. You don’t forget it, the feeling never leaves you, but you have to be strong and move on, and I think that this championship and her being there healed him in a way that he really needed this to move forward.

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Q: Describe her for me.

A: His mother was a ray of sunshine in his world … a very hard-nosed, driven, outspoken, straightforward, straight shooter. Out of any Spanish mom, don’t mess with her kids. You better come correct, because she will defend her kids to the end. She fought for every right for all her kids. She was a great woman. 

Q: What was it like when the Knicks traded for your son right before the 2024-25 season?

A: Knowing that we had been somewhere [Minnesota] for nine years, it was like we were moving, so I was emotional, but at the same time it’s part of the business. I was more worried about how he felt. As a dad, you always want to support your son. As long as he was OK, I was OK. But we really weren’t going to a new area, we were just going home [Piscataway, N.J.], because we were going back to the East Coast and we were from here anyway.

Q: You were in Minneapolis for the whole nine years with him?

A: Every basketball season I spent with him, yes.

Q: What were those nine years?

A: Cold! You know what, I call it probably the best years with me and my son because we were always there and we bonded. Every basketball season I was out there for all the games, just like the Knicks this year. I went to every game for the last two years. It was a chance for us to just do father-son time. When his mom passed away I just wanted to spend more time with him just for his emotional and mental state, make sure he had somebody there he could always talk to if he ever felt like he needed someone there.

Q: What kind of child was he?

A: I call him a perfectionist. Everything had to be right. He always was reading, he always was knowledgeable and stuff, and he was very, very on point, so when you talk to him you have to have all your facts because he already knew what the right answer would be. To this day he’s the same way. 

Q: How else would you describe your son?

A: Extremely humble. He takes everything to heart. He wants the best for everyone. He just wants to be a friend to you. He’s not arrogant, none of that. He’s down to earth. He’s relatable to anybody, it don’t matter who you are.

Q: Best piece of advice you ever gave him?

A: Be yourself. Make all your own decisions. Don’t let anybody make answers and decisions on your life for you, Be your own man. 

Q: Describe the day he won his first state championship in high school.

A: Magical moment. He wanted to leave high school knowing that he had played on the No. 1 team in the state, and that night, I’ll never forget in Trenton, they pulled it off.

Q: His decision to go to Kentucky.

A: He had settled down to Rutgers, Duke, Seton Hall, North Carolina State and another one. I think that the decision to go to Kentucky was a little bit better being that he played on the national team for Cal [John Calipari]. He wanted the challenge of having a chance to get to the next level. My wife loved Kentucky. Duke was in it, but she didn’t like the fact that he had to walk across campus.

Q: He played for the Dominican National team when he was 16.

A: He will not play for another team but the Dominican team because the Dominican team is his bond with his mother.

Q: What was draft day like in 2015?

A: Magical moment. Knowing that we were sitting there knowing that Minnesota was gonna have the first pick. He had a great workout in Minnesota. I’ll never forget it. [Kevin] Garnett and everybody watched him, and just to hear his name called first — after all those years of playing in high school, college, all the great players around the country, to know that they felt that you were the No. 1 pick in the draft, you can never take that away from him. He will always be considered a No. 1 pick for the rest of his life.

Q: Your son’s first NBA game.

A: Los Angeles Lakers in L.A. The thing I recall was watching him get his first basket as an NBA player, he made a steal and dunked. It’s the most vivid memory because as a father, you never ever think your son’s gonna make it to the NBA. Once you score one basket in the NBA you’re officially in the record books. I knew when he made that basket, his name was gonna be etched in the books forever.

Q: What were your emotions when you were cut by the Knicks.

A: I wasn’t cut, I got hurt, so I didn’t go to attend the camp. My ankle, unfortunately, I got injured. It hurt, but what was I gonna do? It wasn’t meant to be. God has different plans for everybody. And the plan came out to be my son was supposed to play for the Knicks and win a championship. 

Q: His first game as a Knick.

A: Magical moment. Because to me it was the moment — it was a full circle thing. It didn’t happen to me, it happened to him. But to know that when he walked out there in that uniform that night he represented … and this was his mother always wanted him to be — represent the New York Knicks and play in New York. To me it was an emotional night because he fulfilled her dream. She wasn’t here … but she was here. Because she’s part of him. It was a moment I’ll always remember. And she told him, “One day you’re gonna play for New York and win a championship.” It was a magical moment for everybody to see him come out in his first game in a Knick uniform.

Q: Near the end of Game 5 in San Antonio, your emotions.

A: I was right across from him, I looked at him, and the first thing he did was look up to the sky to his mom and said, “We did it!”

Q: And when you first saw him when the game ended? 

A: We hugged, and I said, “She would be so proud of you right now.” … He said, “She’s here.”And you know what I told him? “I know.”

Q: As a 6-foot-5 power forward, what kind of a player were you at what was then Monmouth College in the mid-1980s?

A: I was a double-double — I [regularly] had 10 points, 13 rebounds. … He mastered it in a way I didn’t. He definitely gets a lot of rebounds because he’s always reading the ball. I had to go get it, he maneuvers his way to get it. He’s a way better scorer than I was. I was a brute. He’s a gifted scorer. I was an opportunity scorer. 

Q: You were a Knicks fan growing up. Did you go to the Garden?

A: Never had an opportunity to go to the Garden. My parents didn’t have the money to send us back then — they were trying to take care of four kids. I didn’t start going to the Garden until I got in college.

Q: Did you take your son to the Garden?

A: My son ended up taking me to the Garden, how ’bout that?

Q: Do you remember the 1985 draft lottery when the Knicks got Patrick [Ewing]?

A: Yes I do. The year he got drafted to the pros, I played him [in college[. They [Georgetown] beat us by 50 points [actually 85-53]. We were just happy to be on the floor with these guys. 

Q: What was it like trying to guard him?

A: We lost by 50, what does that say? They laughed at me, but I had a 40-inch vertical so we jumped center, he didn’t know that. So I beat him on the tip. 

Q: Three dinner guests?

A: My wife, my mother, my brother Kenny.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: “Love and Basketball.”

Q: Favorite actors.”

A: Denzel Washington. Spike Lee.

Q: Favorite actress?

A: Sandra Bullock.

Q: Favorite entertainer?

A: Michael Jackson.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Spaghetti and sausage.

Q: What stands out to you about KAT’s on-court mentality?

A: Pinpoint. Magic [Johnson] was always his idol. You could see out there he’s always navigating like a GPS system, he’s trying to make the right decision, right pass. I’m awed by some of the passes that he can get through to his players. 

Q: Jalen Brunson.

A: Great player, great teammate. Call ’em Batman and Robin. I love the kid. The kid plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played. Plays hard, plays to win, he’s a great leader and a great person.

Q: What did you like best about these Knicks?

A: That nobody cared who starred, they just wanted to win. 

Q: As a longtime high school coach, why do you appreciate Mike Brown?

A: Because he came in with a plan and it was fulfilled. And he’s a coach’s coach. Respected the players, listened. Great dude. 

Q: What do you know about KAT’s fiancé Jordyn’s designer bag?

A: That it was a lucky charm. Her collection is one of the best collections that I’ve seen because everything is about today’s woman. When the bag started winning games, she had to have it. But I think the bag is going into retirement now. The bag did its job. You don’t want to overdo it. I’m happy for her because the bag was something that became inspirational to a lot of people.

Q: They’re engaged now. Do you think she reminds your son of his mother?

A: Absolutely — loving, caring, humble, dedicated, she’s by his side, she’s there for him just like his mother was. She’s been his rock.

Q: Do you think these guys can win it again next year?

A: Absolutely. Because you know what they built a lot of teams don’t have? A bond. Once you taste it, it’s hard to let it go.

The Celtics would love to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it’s not going to be that easy.

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said previously that the team would like to have the superstar’s future resolved before the NBA draft, which is now just three days away.

And while the Celtics are interested in adding the two-time MVP, new reporting suggests that Boston and Milwaukee are not exactly on the same page.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that “if Boston had its way,” the Celtics would nab Antetokounmpo, 31, by simply sending Jaylen Brown the other way in a one-for-one swap.

However, Amick added that it’s “unclear” whether the Bucks would want to build around the 29-year-old Brown, and said it’s “widely believed” that further players and/or picks would be required in an Antetokounmpo trade.

It is also said that the 2021 Finals MVP would be comfortable signing an extension with Boston.

Nonetheless, the Bucks will want to find a resolution to Antetokounmpo’s situation soon amid continued speculation and innuendo from his side.

While he has yet to publicly demand a trade, he reportedly approached the Bucks for a trade on at least two occasions this past season.

The Bucks also held some brief talks with the Knicks over a potential Antetokounmpo trade last summer, ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reported.

Milwaukee decided to hold onto the Future Hall of Famer past this season’s trade deadline, despite the team being out of contention, but the organization has now found itself “underwhelmed” by the offers on its table, Amick reported, citing anonymous executives.

The Heat are also reportedly interested in Antetokounmpo.

Statistically, it was another strong season for him as he notched 27.6 points per game to go along with 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in just 36 games.

But the roster was lacking in talent around him and finished just 32-50 before getting the No. 10 pick in the NBA draft lottery.

Brown, meanwhile, finished sixth in MVP voting as he led the Celtics to a strong season with Jayson Tatum missing most of the season due to injury.

But there are suggestions that Brown, 29, may finally want to lead his own team.

Leading into the post-season, there was a large discussion about whether the Spurs needed to lose in order to win. That is, many thought they were too young, they didn’t have the playoff defeats to learn from, and therefore were not ready to win a championship.

San Antonio made a very deep playoff run, nevertheless, knocking off the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, only to fall short and suffer defeat at the highest mountain top to the New York Knicks. Along with the scars suffered along the way, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs have now very much bled their own blood. Now, will they bounce back?

It’s certainly possible. History has plenty of examples of teams facing defeat in the Finals, often thanks to their own miscues, only to come back better and stronger the next year. Here are some of the most famous examples of redemption championship teams.

Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers 1980s

There is no greater rivalry in professional basketball than the Celtics and Lakers. The two teams have met in the finals 12 times. As far as bounce-back teams, there are plenty to choose from. The best example would be 1985. Magic Johnson, who already had two Finals MVPs at that point, arguably cost the Lakers the series. He had bad turnovers, missed free throws, and even forgot about the shot clock on a crucial possession at the end of game two, earning him the infamous nickname “Tragic Johnson.” But he and his teammates redeemed themselves, winning the 1985 championship over Boston.

Then, not to be discouraged, Boston bounced back themselves in 1986 with one of the best teams of all time, winning a championship over the Houston Rockets.

Miami Heat 2011-2012

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh had formed their triumvirate in Miami and were ready to take over the league as “The Heatles”. But it would take them until their second year together to realize that potential. In their first season together, they faced a tragic defeat at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks. James averaged only 17.8 points, a far cry from his 26.7 regular-season average, leading many to wonder if the moment was just too big for him (and if karma had caught up to him for The Decision and their cocky declaration of “not two, not three, not four….” championships at their introduction parade). Ultimately, he and Miami would bounce back for a championship the following season, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder, with James being crowned with his first Finals MVP.

The Beautiful Game Spurs 2013-2014

And of course, what is perhaps the best example of a bounce-back season is the 2014 San Antonio Spurs. San Antonio suffered a brutal defeat in 2013 at the hands of the Miami Heat, losing in seven games after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in Game 6 thanks to series of late blunders and the “Ray Allen Shot”.

Then, as is well known, they came back with a vengeance the very next year. They finished first in the West with the best record in the league, Gregg Popovich won Coach of the Year, and they toppled the same Heat team in the Finals in only 5 games. It was not only a redemption, but perhaps the sweetest icing on top of the cake of several Hall of Fame careers.

These are just a few examples. Overall, it’s a question of perseverance. While it would be nice for Victor Wembanyama to have a perfect Finals record, comparable to a certain all-time great everyone thinks about, the fact is that just isn’t the case. But he shouldn’t be discouraged. Many, if not all, of the other all-time greats have fallen short. It’s a fact of basketball and a fact of life. Setbacks are going to happen; it’s a question of whether you bounce back or bounce backwards.

Depending on how the board falls, Kentucky wing Otega Oweh could be available when New York is on the clock on draft night next week. Should the Knicks consider him with their 24th, 31st or 55th selection?

The Basics

• School: Kentucky (transferred from Oklahoma)
• Position: Guard/Forward
• Height: 6’4.25” (barefoot)
• Weight: 216 lbs
• Age: 23 (June 21, 2003)
• 2025-26 Stats: 20.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 2.0 SPG, 46.5% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 73.1% FT
• Projected Draft Range: Mid-second round

The Numbers

Oweh has taken one of the more interesting long roads in this draft class. He began his career at Oklahoma as a raw athletic defender, became a legitimate two-way contributor as a sophomore, transferred to Kentucky, and eventually turned himself into one of the SEC’s most productive wings.

The scoring jump is the first thing that stands out in Oweh’s resume, as he is coming off a senior season in which he averaged 20.5 points per game while carrying a major offensive role for the Wildcats.

The defensive numbers also pass the eye test. Oweh posted a career-best 1.8 steals per game and has been one of the better perimeter defenders in college basketball for multiple seasons.

The shooting remains the swing number. Oweh hit 37.7% from three as a sophomore at Oklahoma, 35.5% during his first Kentucky season, and roughly 33% as a senior, in a steady regression that has been going on for three consecutive seasons. Although Oweh’s mechanics are not clean, the willingness is there, and his free-throw shooting improvement going from Oklahoma to Kentucky is notable.

Skills That Pay the Bills

• Point-Of-Attack Defense: Oweh’s clearest NBA skill is defense, as he can guard opposing wings, pressure ball-handlers, navigate screens, disrupt passing lanes, and use his strength to knock drivers off their spots.
• Physical Slashing: Oweh has a strong frame, broad shoulders, and downhill burst. He can get into the paint, absorb contact, draw fouls, and put pressure on the rim.
• Transition Scoring: His athleticism pops in the open floor, with Oweh turning steals into runouts, sprints the lanes, and can finish above the rim when he gets space.
• Defensive-Event Creation: Oweh does not just stay in front of players; he hunts and haunts them. His career steal production is one of the strongest indicators that his defense can translate into a real NBA role.
• Catch-And-Shoot Growth: The jumper is not perfect, but he has become a credible enough shooter to keep defenses honest. He relocates well, can hit standstill threes, and has improved enough over four college seasons to make the shot projection worth buying into.

Concerns

• Shooting Mechanics: Oweh’s release has a hitch and can be slow. NBA defenders will close space faster than his fellow amateurs, so he needs to speed up the shot or become more consistent when contested.
• Finishing Touch: He is powerful and athletic, but his layup touch remains inconsistent. Some of his rim efficiency comes from dunks, transition chances and physical advantages that may not happen often in the NBA.
• Decision-Making: Oweh has improved as a passer, but he can still force drives, settle for contested midrange shots, or miss quicker reads when the defense loads up.
• Offensive Role: He is not a primary creator and probably will not become one. His current NBA value depends entirely on defense, slashing, transition play, secondary passing, and little shooting.
• Age and Upside: Oweh will be 23 as a rookie after four college seasons. Teams may view him more as a ready-made role-player bet than a long-term upside swing.

The Knicks Fit

Oweh fits a very specific type of Knicks target in that he’s tough, physical, older, defensive-minded and ready to compete for a role from the jump.

The Knicks enter the 2026 NBA Draft with picks No. 24, No. 31 and No. 55 and are coming off a championship, which means there is little pressure to nail drafting any sort of plug-and-play dude. That changes the calculus. New York needs affordable players who can defend, survive in playoff-style basketball if they crack the rotation during the first 82 games, and avoid being overwhelmed by NBA physicality.

Oweh has the body to play through contact, the mentality to guard tough assignments, and enough offensive development to avoid being a complete liability. He could give Mike Brown another wing defender behind OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, while also providing athleticism in transition and pressure at the rim.

However, the Knicks already have exactly that: high-level defensive wings. With those champs already in the roster and under contract, does Oweh have a clear path to instant rotation minutes? Not really, although he could spend time with Westchester, sharpen the jumper, tighten the handle, and become a useful depth piece if injuries or roster changes open minutes.

NBA Comparison

• Best-Case Comparison: Josh Okogie (Physical point-of-attack defender with transition scoring but a lack of true shooting)
• Median Outcome: Bigger Gary Payton II (Defensive disruptor, cutter, transition finisher in a low-usage role)
• Low-End Outcome: Stanley Johnson (Strong defensive wing with a capped role due to the lack of offense)

The Verdict

Consider at 31st if all other targets are gone: Legitimate option at the start of the second round, only if New York completely misses out on all of their higher-ranked targets and wants a tough two-way wing who can compete immediately in camp but not have a big role throughout the 2026-27 season.

Draft at 55th: Assuming the Knicks keep one of their first two picks, Oweh at 55th is a win. He should have heard his name called around the 40-50 clip, so finding him available here would provide real value without risking having to wait for him to go UDFA and sign him there.

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Go Knicks!