The Knicks' focus heading into the June 27 draft is upgrading at point guard or in the frontcourt.
But could North Carolina swingman
Reggie Bullock steal the team's attention?
Last season, the Knicks were sometimes missing a mobile shooter in half-court sets, like a
Kyle Korver or
J.J. Redick type, who could run baseline to baseline and come off screens quickly and shoot with range. A player like that would've sparked more movement at times in the Knicks' offense, giving them a different look from downtown instead of mostly stationary setups.
Not only is Bullock one of the best shooters in the draft -- from deep and coming off midrange screens -- but he's also a skilled defender, which appeals to Mike Woodson. Last season, as a junior, the 6-foot-7, 200-pound Bullock hit 43.6 percent of his 3s and he guarded the opposing team's top perimeter scorer nearly every game, averaging 1.3 steals.
"I just try to be there on the catch and contest all shots," Bullock said after his Knicks workout on Thursday. "If I was to come in and be a Knick, I know that coach is definitely defensive-minded and I like playing defense."
Bullock has the size, experience and competitive nature to excel as a solid rotation player on the next level. His biggest area of improvement is putting the ball on the floor and making the right decision. Overall, he's compared to Spurs shooting guard
Danny Green, one of a few NBA players he studies.
"I like how
Ray Allen shoots the ball, I like how Danny Green shoots the ball, I like
Paul George," Bullock said. "He defends, he shoots 3s, he comes off screens, he puts the ball on the floor. I like how
Kawhi Leonard rebounds at his position, so I just try to pick a lot of pieces from all their games and just try to be Reggie Bullock."
As of now, ESPN.com draft expert Chad Ford,
in his latest first-round projection, has the Pacers taking Bullock one pick before the Knicks, who have the 24th selection. Ford writes, "Bullock might be the best shooter left on the board. He's a bit one-dimensional, but he can play two different positions and should be able to play from day one."
Bullock said he has stayed in contact with former Tar Heel
Raymond Felton.
"I know that he's wishing nothing but the best for me," Bullock said.