New York Knicks NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

· Yahoo Sports

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

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As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 24 pick will play out with New York Knicks making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

New York Knicks 2026 projected draft picks

  • No. 24, No. 31 (via WAS) and No. 55

New York Knicks 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 24 overall, Chris Cenac Jr., F/C, Houston

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American Chris Cenac Jr. at Houston. He did, however, got hot at the perfect time. During his first game in the Big Dance, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds, while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. Then in the Round of 32, he showed off more scoring with some impressive cuts to the basket, dropping 17 points against Texas A&M. He was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still managed 10 rebounds.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Chris Cenac Jr. player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

  • Position: Forward-Center
  • Current Team: Houston
  • 9.5 points per game
  • 7.5 rebounds per game
  • 0.8 assists per game
  • 49.3 field goal percentage
  • 34.5 three-point field goal percentage

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York Knicks NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

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